JOURNEY: THE SCENIC ROUTE
Hey Fam,
Can you believe that we have already reached the 4th month in the year? We have now come to one of my favorite months, Happy April!!!! I may be a little biased given the fact that it is my birth month; however, there is so much more to enjoy about the month of April. Although many talk about how much it rains in April, I love April because it is such a transitional month. We go from extreme cold weather to more spring-like warmer weather. The month of April and its rain showers water the ground and seeds planted in past seasons, thus giving way for more flowers to bloom. There’s a saying, “April showers bring May flowers.”
Anyway, that’s not quite what I wanted to talk about today. However, it has led me to further think about my journey to 40 as my 4oth birthday is quickly approaching. I begin reflecting on my journey and what has felt like the “scenic route.” Today’s blog post is for those who may question why it always feels like they have to take the scenic route. How come it feels like things just won’t come easy for me? In a world driven by media influence, it’s so easy to get caught up in someone else’s journey or look at their current destination without seeing or knowing the details of their journey. It may appear that things have just come easy for them, but you don’t know the weight of their journey. Learn to EMBRACE YOUR JOURNEY. Learn to TAKE IN THE BEAUTY OF THE SCENIC ROUTE. You will appreciate the scenic route along your journey when you stop worrying about the arrival time according to your timeline. Just know that the appointed destination will remain in place. If you find yourself in a place where you are reflecting on your journey in whatever capacity that may be, remember these 4 things:
Sometimes we have to take the scenic route because
1. IT’S GOD’S PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE
We often can’t see what’s ahead. God loves us so much that he protects us from or prepares us for the dangers ahead; He shows us how to navigate tough roads or seasons. I know it can be frustrating when it feels like you are constantly running into detours or delays. You may feel like the detours, delays or the longer route is slowing you down or adding unnecessary time.
2. WHY ARE YOU IN A HURRY? TRUST GOD’S TIMING.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. -Isaiah 55:8 NKJV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
Trust me, there have been times where I have appreciated and preferred taking the scenic route rather than being stuck in standstill traffic or encountering delay after delay. It’s something about the thought and feeling of: “If I could just keep moving.” What if God causes a delay or detour during what you thought was a smooth journey and says get off this road and take another road? Would you be upset because now it feels like you have to go out your way or comfort? Sometimes beauty isn’t in comfort or your usual. Sometimes the beauty is in the unknown.
3. THERE IS SOMETHING GOD WANTS TO SHOW YOU ALONG THE WAY.
There are times along the scenic route where you will learn more about your character and that God is further building your character for where He is taking you. What if He shows you that you need to have more patience? What if He is training you to obey his voice even if what He is telling you doesn’t seem like the most logical thing to do at the moment? What if He’s showing you that there are areas where you still need healing? What if He is showing you the smallest details you overlook when you rush your journey? What if He is revealing more of HIM as you journey? What if He is showing you why you had to wait so that you will be to handle the weight?
4. THE JOURNEY CARRIES JUST AS MUCH WEIGHT AS THE DESTINATION.
Be encouraged to know that the weight of the journey is building your stamina for the weight of the destination. There are people who may have walked into things prematurely, and they mishandled what was given. Your journey teaches you how to steward what has been assigned to you and know that you have been graced for your journey. You won’t be as overwhelmed by the future delays, detours, roadblocks etc because you have learned how to handle the wait/weight. TRUST GOD knowing that He would never put more on you than you can bear. You can help someone else who may feel like they are being crushed by the weight of their journey. Show them the beauty in the scenic route.
You are not behind, you are right on schedule! Enjoy the scenic route, embrace your journey (even the rainy days), allow the seeds planted throughout your journey to be watered, and PREPARE FOR FULL BLOOM.
Happy Journey to _____(you fill in the blank).
Talk to you soon,
Ky
PS. As I approach 40, I am most excited to know that God has already worked out all of the details. I just need to have faith in my journey.
