“Life might not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we should dance.”
One of the first things I would tell myself if I could go back in time is this: Embrace the Journey.
This message isn’t just for the younger version of me, however.
Grasping this approach to life is something I have been working on for many years now.
It is often my signature of choice and has been the theme for many devotionals I have written.
In almost a “fake it ‘till you make it” attempt – I proclaim it whenever I can.
And I still don’t have it down — but I’m much further along than I used to be, praise Jesus.
For years, I lived my seasons thinking things would be better in the next stage – that joy and contentment were just around the corner.
• “Once I get through this, then I’ll have time for … ”
• “When the kids are through this stage, then we can really … “
• “If only I were (fill in the blank — thinner, more creative, more outgoing, healthy …) then …”
In August, I’d be looking toward Christmas break.
After Christmas, we’d be counting the days until school was out.
Once we got to that point, it would be “when summer is over.”
I was living for the future and not making the most of the present, and looking for that time when all the circumstances would be in place for life to feel tamed, “under control,” and able to be enjoyed.
Where did I get the idea that would ever be possible?
I’m not sure, but I developed my warped expectations in an age without social media and 24/7 access to everyone else’s PR version of themselves.
If I was 20-something now and trying to understand “normal,” I would have even more trouble grasping a realistic outlook on life.
Take control of the message
We are bombarded with messages that life is about the pursuit of happiness and #perfectlife.
But Scripture bears witness to a different reality.
We are told to expect trials and count it all joy; that God’s grace is sufficient in our weakness; and even that joy itself is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The truth is this:
Life is NOT about the pursuit of happiness…
It IS about joy in the pursuit of God.
It’s about embracing the journey God has called you to for the time He has called you to do it, in the circumstances He has placed you in.
It’s about trusting Him to lead you and leaning on His Spirit to grow the fruit of joy and peace within your soul.
It’s about choosing contentment in spite of life, not because of life.
It’s not easy.
It’s not natural.
It requires intention, discipline, and discernment.
But God.
The one who calls us to be content is the ONE who equips us to choose joy.
Praise his precious name!
Jumpstart Prayer Challenge
If you are seeking to add more joy in your days, start with prayer.
And if you could use help restarting your prayer life,
I’ve developed a free 5-day prayer challenge that will guide you in that.
Click for Info on the 5-day Prayer Challenge
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This is the introduction post to a series on embracing the journey.
Click below for more help on choosing joy and contentment.
Keep Reading: More Posts Like This
Encouragement for believers embracing the journey and seeking contentment.
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Making Life & Words Count!
9 Comments on “Embrace the Journey instead of Chasing the Perfect Life”
I cannot begin to thank you enough for your simple, but so truthful words. The Lord used this to speak to me at just the right time…. I definitely needed to read what you wrote this morning during the wee early hours!! :) Thank you again, and God bless!
THIS WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD…LIKE A HOLY BUFFET FULL OF GEMS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORDS THEY HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS ON A DAY GOD KNEW I NEEDED TO HEAR IT..GOD BLESS U GIRL
Thank you for such kind words. Thankful it was used by God in your day.
Thank you for this reminder Christi. I catch myself encouraging others to not live in the past all while I’m living in the future. The Lord has given us today! I need to relish in it with joy. It is a gift.
You are a joy and a gift and definitely an encouragement :)
I too have always thought that I would stop and enjoy life when I got there but now that I’m older I realize that I’ve been there for a long time. Thanks for sharing. Visiting from Dance with Jesus.
Thank you for stopping by! I love your comment, “I realize that I’ve been there for a long time.” Such wisdom! I look forward to gleaning more from you in days and weeks to come.
Oh, yes, embracing the journey is something I wish I did sooner too. So much encouragement here! I’m glad you linked up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Thanks, Kristin! Looking forward to embracing this journey together as I learn more about you through your writing. Guess we can start by embracing summer :-) (Loved your post on that.)