Staying Free After Breaking FreeSample

TRIP TIK

During a fifteen-and-a-half-hour car trip to the beach, I had a lot of time to think. My thoughts took a trip down memory lane, remembering childhood vacations of long ago. Whenever we took a long car trip, my mom brought along something she called a trip-tik. It was given to her by a travel agent. It was a long, narrow spiral-bound notebook filled with maps to guide our journey. (Primeval, I know. But that’s how we did it back in the day.) I remember my mom getting out the trip-tik to show us how far we had traveled and how far we had yet to go. Looking at the pages still unturned, it appeared we would never reach our destination.

Life can be like a road trip. Some journeys take longer than others, but all of life’s journeys have ups and downs, twists and turns, and places to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come.

At nearly 60 years of age, my life is likely half over. It has been quite the ride at times, but it sure feels good to look back and see how far I’ve come. Sixteen years ago, my life looked completely different. God has been working amazing miracles in my life and has allowed me to join Him on some incredible adventures along the way. I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’m not sure how many life-miles I have left on my journey, but I am committed to following Jesus wherever He leads and choose to enjoy the ride along the way.

What about you? Where are you on this journey called life? Are you struggling up a mountain pass, paused at the top, or coasting down easy street?

Wherever you are, take a moment to reflect back and see how far you’ve come. And don’t forget to take a moment to pause and thank God for the adventure thus far.

Be encouraged! Your destination will be worth the many potholes and detours you had to encounter along the way.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Take a few moments to reflect on your journey with God so far. What are some of the milestones you never want to forget? And what are some of the challenges you have met along the way?

PRAYER

Lord, only you know how much mileage is left on my life-journey. I don’t want to waste a single blessing you have for me along the way. Help me to take time here and there to look back and see how far I have come so I am encouraged to keep moving forward with you. Amen.