The Journey - Starting Out

We all have to start our journey somewhere, and at a time of our choosing if we want to make the best of it. Don’t misunderstand me, we are all on a journey, but sometimes there comes a point when we make a conscious and deliberate effort to change course for the better, or at least recognise the course you have set until now has to be put right, and now you have started out on your true journey.

There was a time when I loved to go hill walking. Nothing severe, just a Corbett, or maybe a slow Munro, but preparation was made before we got to the foot of the hill. What was the weather going to be like? Were the boots still fit for the job? Did I have the map and compass in the backpack, and while I was at it, were the batteries in the torch still ok? What about the whistle should we need to attract attention in the unplanned event of an emergency. Could we complete the walk or climb in daylight? There are so many things to consider.

How much more then should we pay attention to the Spiritual journey we are all on. Oh, you may not claim to be religious, but I have been to so many funerals recently to realise that some journeys do not end well. We must prepare, and prepare like it matters. What then do we check into our heavenly backpack? How about some Bible memory verses? A lot of prayer. A warm smile and a positive disposition, after all who would want to journey with a grouch? Some good advice would be great, especially from someone who had been ‘on the way’ a lot longer, and could tell you the pitfalls, and the places to avoid. The greatest thing you can pack is a great big dollop of love. Love for fellow travellers, and even those who will be watching as you set off. It also helps if you pack a healthy respect or fear of the unknowns which you will undoubtedly face. In short, you need understanding and wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10  

Life IS a Journey!

Time passes surely and steadily with every birthday and anniversary, so in keeping with the title of this blog, I thought it would be a good thing to remind ourselves of the journey ahead that we all face. Our hopes, dreams, and chosen paths are different, but we are all on a journey whether we like it or not. In the months to come, let’s have a look at some of the highs and lows of this trip which we all face, and if you want to comment about your own experiences, you can do this on the parent blog page.

There is not a day goes by that you will not be faced with a decision which will affect the remainder of that day, perhaps the week, or indeed even longer. We must be careful then as we travel and interact with others who are on their own personal journey because there is an element of choice in the travelling we do. For some, it is a casual but healthy, non risk, walking exercise, but for others it will be like scaling a mountain. There are many types of journey in between these extremes, and I hope we can look at some of these through a spiritual lens.

If you read the Gospels you will soon realise that Jesus was on a journey for all of His 33 years while He was in an earthly body. He suffered many things, physical and emotional, and came out on top with the greatest miracle of all time. He defeated satan and death, and that is our total encouragement as we travel this life. So, let’s see what we can discover. Stay with me, and follow along as we explore that fact that “Life IS a Journey”!

He [Jesus] said to them, “When you travel, don’t take a walking stick. Also, don’t carry a bag, food, or money. Take for your trip only the clothes you are wearing. Luke 9:3