A few weeks back Carolyn was reaching out to God for herself, and interceding for our family. God spoke and gave her a strong reminder. This reminder retaught us how important it is to know that the journey is not the “enemy.” The journey, when led by God, is a path of preparation for what He has in store in the future. Overall, the road of obedience, no matter what the calling or direction, can be incredibly exhilarating as you are given new opportunities and face many trials. How you lead, manage, and traverse the forks in the road, the blocked paths, and potential missteps will determine if the journey becomes the enemy or if it becomes an opportunity.
On this particular day Carolyn was on her morning walk with God, which is her normal routine. However, God had a special word for her. God spoke to Carolyn and offered a reminder of how important it was to soar when trying to fly. To soar is to simply “…fly or sail often at great height by floating on air currents.”[1] The calling, direction, mission, purpose, or vision for a person wants to lead them to great heights no matter the field of work or level of influence. Too often we work so hard to flap our wings to achieve those heights, and never take a moment to rest and celebrate what has been achieved. This has been the story of our journey over the last couple of years.
Over the last two years, we have often received words from God via others who have challenged us to enjoy the journey God is leading us on; for it is an incredible one. We need to stop, if only for a moment, to enjoy all that God has and is doing. We, like many I have no doubt, work so hard and flap our wings, but what is it for if we cannot find joy in the process. For me, I say joy and not happiness for a reason. From my perspective, happiness is an emotion that last but only a moment. Happiness is an emotion that originates from Joy. Joy, especially in the Lord, is an experience that changes you from the inside out. Joy, when found in and through Jesus, comes through the truth and reality of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. Joy that bubbles from our divine fountain, upon receiving Christ, will be carried with us through all circumstances if you drink from it daily (consuming the truth of the Word, hearing the voice of God, and receiving revelation from Holy Spirit).
On this day, God reminded Carolyn that He wants us to soar. He wants us to look around, and seek after the joy found embedded in the journey. If we do not look up and around, all we will ever see are the challenges, trials, difficulties, and frustrations. I am always reminded of a moment in which Carolyn challenged me to look up when I walk. My head is always down, so I can focus on where I am going. The mistake in life I make is that I focus too much on what I am doing in the moment. I do not take the time to celebrate the distance that has been covered in a journey, and recognize how much closer I/we are to the top of the mountain. I must always remind myself, whether you are at the top or the bottom of a mountain there is always an incredible view waiting to be experienced.
As You Go…
Take time today, or this week, to celebrate what you have been blessed with. From the smallest of blessing to the largest. Remember that all birds need to soar. Soaring is a part of flying. To soar gives you rest. It gives you a moment to see and celebrate life. It provides an opportunity to reflect and recognize all that God has been doing in your life. To see God, and discover Him, will provide an experience that will refill your fountains, so that you can taste the sweet refreshing flavor of everlasting joy found only in Christ and received through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture to Mediate On…
Read John 15:1-11
(v. 11) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Read John 16:1-24
(v. 24) “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Read Nehemiah 8
(v. 10) “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (We are not promoting the drinking alcohol or being a carnivore J)
Resources You Might Be Interested In…
This is a resource Carolyn used while she led the Children’s Ministry for Northbridge to change the culture of the ministry.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/1491511419
[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soar (accessed on May 12, 2016).
On this particular day Carolyn was on her morning walk with God, which is her normal routine. However, God had a special word for her. God spoke to Carolyn and offered a reminder of how important it was to soar when trying to fly. To soar is to simply “…fly or sail often at great height by floating on air currents.”[1] The calling, direction, mission, purpose, or vision for a person wants to lead them to great heights no matter the field of work or level of influence. Too often we work so hard to flap our wings to achieve those heights, and never take a moment to rest and celebrate what has been achieved. This has been the story of our journey over the last couple of years.
Over the last two years, we have often received words from God via others who have challenged us to enjoy the journey God is leading us on; for it is an incredible one. We need to stop, if only for a moment, to enjoy all that God has and is doing. We, like many I have no doubt, work so hard and flap our wings, but what is it for if we cannot find joy in the process. For me, I say joy and not happiness for a reason. From my perspective, happiness is an emotion that last but only a moment. Happiness is an emotion that originates from Joy. Joy, especially in the Lord, is an experience that changes you from the inside out. Joy, when found in and through Jesus, comes through the truth and reality of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. Joy that bubbles from our divine fountain, upon receiving Christ, will be carried with us through all circumstances if you drink from it daily (consuming the truth of the Word, hearing the voice of God, and receiving revelation from Holy Spirit).
On this day, God reminded Carolyn that He wants us to soar. He wants us to look around, and seek after the joy found embedded in the journey. If we do not look up and around, all we will ever see are the challenges, trials, difficulties, and frustrations. I am always reminded of a moment in which Carolyn challenged me to look up when I walk. My head is always down, so I can focus on where I am going. The mistake in life I make is that I focus too much on what I am doing in the moment. I do not take the time to celebrate the distance that has been covered in a journey, and recognize how much closer I/we are to the top of the mountain. I must always remind myself, whether you are at the top or the bottom of a mountain there is always an incredible view waiting to be experienced.
As You Go…
Take time today, or this week, to celebrate what you have been blessed with. From the smallest of blessing to the largest. Remember that all birds need to soar. Soaring is a part of flying. To soar gives you rest. It gives you a moment to see and celebrate life. It provides an opportunity to reflect and recognize all that God has been doing in your life. To see God, and discover Him, will provide an experience that will refill your fountains, so that you can taste the sweet refreshing flavor of everlasting joy found only in Christ and received through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture to Mediate On…
Read John 15:1-11
(v. 11) “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Read John 16:1-24
(v. 24) “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
Read Nehemiah 8
(v. 10) “Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (We are not promoting the drinking alcohol or being a carnivore J)
Resources You Might Be Interested In…
This is a resource Carolyn used while she led the Children’s Ministry for Northbridge to change the culture of the ministry.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/1491511419
[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soar (accessed on May 12, 2016).
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