Are We There Yet?

If you’ve travelled any amount of distance with a child in tow, you’ve likely heard those four words more than a few times. Are we there yet?

I know I’ve asked that question many times throughout my life. I can remember the drive from Southern Ontario to Peterborough to visit my Grandparents as a child. The trek across Toronto and then onward seemed to take an eternity and I’m sure my parents heard that question from both my sister and myself multiple times. And I think it had something to do with the anticipation of what was waiting on the other side. Hugs from family, sleeping on the pull-out couch in Grandma & Grandpa’s tiny apartment, still warm cookies, board games & tons of laughter. It was exciting to know where we were going but the endless lay of asphalt between home and there was somehow so daunting and oh so long!

Have you ever asked that question of God? I know I have. There’s something of a parallel here between that long car ride to Grandma’s and the long journey that we embark on when we trust the Lord with our hopes and dreams. We have a plan for how we think we’d like our life to go. Perhaps it includes higher education, a successful career, finding a spouse, purchasing a home, having a family, travelling and much more. Somehow we build an expectation into our life plans that by a certain age we should have amassed a certain level of criteria that identifies that we’ve been successful.

But unlike that straight stretch of highway that gets you from point A to point B, this journey takes longer and perhaps has more flat tires, dead ends & bathroom breaks than you expected (metaphorically speaking). And maybe for quite some time, you’ve been cruising on that straight path and things have been amazing! Wind in your hair, tunes turned up! But now? Now some things have changed. You’re no longer needed at the job you’ve worked so hard at for years. Your marriage is over or it’s on thin ice. You’ve amassed some debt that keeps you from the freedoms you once enjoyed. And perhaps you take a look back and see all the good stuff in the rear-view mirror but now you’re just asking God the question – am I there yet?

YOU: Haven’t I learned enough? I mean, it wasn’t always easy. I had to work hard over those years to get what I have. And I was faithful with my time, serving the needs of others. I was a good steward of my finances. I was great! Haven’t I arrived? Aren’t I there yet?

GOD: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Matt 16:33; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6; “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105; “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

See, it’s not about measuring our successes but rather understanding that no matter where we are on the road of life, God has promised He will be faithful. He never said it would always be roses & unicorns! At least not in my Bible!

So God… are we there yet? I know the answer is no, but I’m going to choose to be thankful and to worship you through the mountains and the valleys. Through the rivers and the meadows. Through the long stretches of open road and the potholes along the way.

Take heart friends. God is with you. He loves you and cares about your circumstances. Stay close to His word and His heart and you will never lose direction.

Blessings,

April

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