A person receives an invitation from a friend. There's going to be a celebration and the celebration is going to be held where they live...in another country. It's a long trip and beside the fact that it would entail them making a couple of stopovers and transfers along the way...it would be pretty costly. They don't know if they really want to make the journey. Sure, they'd like to see their friend, but the two of them haven't really kept in touch. They recall that the last time their friend reached out to them... they hadn't returned the call. They go on to reason that the two of them actually aren't 'that' close. So, after thinking about it, with all things considered, they decide not to go. They decline the invitation with some plausible excuse. The bottom line being; the destination...their friend...it not worth it.

Another person in another part of town receives the same invitation. They are elated and honored that their best friend wants them to come to their celebration. Even though this friend lives in another country...they are still very close and stay in contact with one another. This friend has reached out and been a strong source of encouragement. But, it is a long trip. And, besides the fact that it would entail them making a couple of stopovers and transfers along the way, it would be pretty costly. However, they've made up their mind...they’re going! They are willing to sacrifice the cost and the difficulties of the journey because they want to see their friend and join in their celebration. They accept the invitation. The bottom line being; the destination...their best friend...is worth it.

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My life is not about my Journey...it's about my Destination.

I've received an invitation from my best friend to a celebration. If I took the time to consider the cost and the difficulty of my journey to get there...I would not proceed. However, it's not my journey that I'm concerned about...it's my destination that I'm focusing on. My destination is the only reason that I make this journey. This is not about me being strong, because I am human and my faith sometimes waivers. I am not a strong person and there are times when I weaken and I grow tired. I've had instances where I've disappointed myself and others. I am so far from perfect that I can't even begin to say in how many ways, but I am keeping my eyes on my destination. The valley's sometimes are quite deep and the mountains are often very steep. The waters are high and turbulent…and the winds! The winds are so strong and cold that often I can hardly move or see to put one foot in front of the other. The paths on my journey are rugged and rocky. I've had instances when I've stumbled...and fell. And it’s at these times that my best friend reaches out and strengthens and lifts me up and I can go on. Though I learn a great deal on my journey, the harshness of it far outweighs the now-and-again times when the sun does shine through and there is some calm and joy along the way. The realistic, common-sense reasons to continue on my journey have exhausted themselves and been overshadowed by hard times and pains a long time ago. But, in spite of everything, I am reminded that my Eternal Reward, The ‘by-invitation-only’ Celebration… is just ahead and I'm determined to reach it! The bottom line being...my destination ...my very best friend...is worth it, all!

My life is not about my Journey. I keep my eyes on Jesus... my Destination! How about you?

Is26:3-4 & 64:4, Jn 14:1-3, Rm8:35-39, 1Cor2:9,      

2Cor4:8-9

copyright; jmsbell 9/22/2014