Worth the Journey
Anieta Hopper / Finance Manager
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| Photo by Austin Ban on Unsplash |
We have always enjoyed spending time outside in God’s magnificent creation and were blessed for years to live close to the magnificent Canadian Rockies where we spent many hours hiking and exploring as a family. Some of the trails were short and easy and the journey was breathtakingly beautiful. Some were long, strenuous, and challenging and led to a destination that only those who overcame and kept on going would ever see.
Recently, Allan and I started on a hike which was much shorter and less challenging than many we had taken before, but now we are older and less sure-footed. We knew our destination, but we didn’t know what was between our starting point and where we were going. Had we known, we would have dressed a little differently so we could take alternate routes to make the journey easier and less risky.
The trail started flat with just the normal tripping hazards to watch out for, but as we progressed the challenges became greater. There were places where we stopped, sought alternate routes, strategized how we would navigate the hurdle, looked for what we had that was stable to hold onto and discussed how we would help each other get there. The slopes were steep, slippery, and unstable. A few times I said I didn’t want to go on because it was too difficult and risky. Allan assured me I could do it and he would help me get there. I reminded myself that I had come too far to turn back now, and we pressed on until together we reached our goal. It was worth the journey!
Recently, Allan and I started on a hike which was much shorter and less challenging than many we had taken before, but now we are older and less sure-footed. We knew our destination, but we didn’t know what was between our starting point and where we were going. Had we known, we would have dressed a little differently so we could take alternate routes to make the journey easier and less risky.
The trail started flat with just the normal tripping hazards to watch out for, but as we progressed the challenges became greater. There were places where we stopped, sought alternate routes, strategized how we would navigate the hurdle, looked for what we had that was stable to hold onto and discussed how we would help each other get there. The slopes were steep, slippery, and unstable. A few times I said I didn’t want to go on because it was too difficult and risky. Allan assured me I could do it and he would help me get there. I reminded myself that I had come too far to turn back now, and we pressed on until together we reached our goal. It was worth the journey!
Life is like that. Marriage is like that. Sometimes it’s smooth, easy, and beautiful; sometimes it’s very challenging. We need something, or more importantly, Someone, solid to hold onto. We need to dress properly, putting on the full armor of God, so we are prepared. We need each other for support and encouragement. We need to hold onto what we have already attained and press on.
As Paul encouraged us in Philippians 3:12-16:
Finally, I encourage you with the words of Esther Kerr Rushtoi:
As Paul encouraged us in Philippians 3:12-16:
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”
Finally, I encourage you with the words of Esther Kerr Rushtoi:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life's trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.