Steps in the Journey of Life

One of the more popular motifs in literature is that of the journey. “It’s the journey, not the destination!” I say calmly to my family as we head out of town. Eyes begin to roll. My wife Kristy shakes her head. I immediately imagine my daughter, who fortunately happens not to be in the car on this trip, saying something like, “Dad, I think you come up with a different theme, right?” Then my 13 year old, who will not be silenced, demands an immediate answer, “how long will this drive be, Dad?”

On to Castaway

I can hardly blame any of them. Now that they have stepped into a midwest sunbaked Subaru with a dark interior, I know they have a reason or two for grumbling. The beads of sweat begin to flow on our foreheads and the requests for a drink is almost immediate. Nevertheless, I also know the car will eventually cool and the eight hour excursion will begin to feel something like, well . . . seven hours. We are headed to Young Life Camp in northern Minnesota. I’t s a place called Castaway.

It’s no accident that the title of this first blog is Steps in the Journey of Life. It’s a title closely associated with my new book, The Search for Home. In addition, who hasn’t felt the sting, the feeling of loneliness, upon beginning something new? As my family and I head to Castaway I am very aware that my family is with me, but the obligations I have agreed to at that camp are my own obligations. I have agreed to work with college students, to encourage them, to teach them, and to work alongside them. So I wonder, “Will they receive me? Will my performance be satisfactory? Will I make any difference?” Even with my age and ministry experience, it’s going to take a measure of faith and courage to begin something new.

Moving Forward

So, let me ask . . .

What are you beginning? Perhaps I should ask, what have you begun in the last year that has made you feel a little awkward or alone? Whenever we take a step toward something new, especially if that new thing makes us feel uncomfortable, we ourselves begin to change.

A new job? You’re beginning something new. You’re beginning to change.

A new relationship? You’re beginning something new. You’re beginning to change.

A move? You’re beginning something new. You’re beginning to change.

Whenever we take steps in the desert of life, we want to run back to where it’s comfortable. I’ve known a small number of people who have lived in the same house all their lives, but that’s an exception in our culture today. Most people have to face changes, but honestly, few do it well. So, what is it going to take to step out into the desert of life with faith and courage? What is it going to take to face change well?

In part, that’s what my new book is about: The Search for Home: Steps of Grace in John 1-4. Nevertheless, I’ll be talking in this series of blog posts much more on this subject. So I’ll see you here, and in the pages of my book.