Carmen and I officially started our adventure 17 years ago. So I want to share with you our story and our walk with Jesus. We are on a Great Adventure!
Carmen and I just celebrated our 17th Wedding Anniversary this weekend with a fun get-away. It was a great adventure. When we met 17 years ago:
- it was in a parking lot at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store (after meeting online).
- And, we were in a Dick’s Sporting Goods store on our trip this weekend.
- Our first movie (Love Actually) together 17 years ago featured an actress by the name of Emma Thompson.
- We went to see Cruella during our get-away this weekend and it featured Emma Thompson.
- I had a 1997 Jeep Wrangler back then when I met Carmen.
- This weekend we were in our 2009 Jeep Wrangler.
Even Our Fun Weekend Get-Away Was a Great Adventure
So our journey together is 17+ years in the making. This weekend was a fun get-away with our Kayaks. We stayed in the “cabin-tent” (see picture above) on an Olive Tree orchard. It was close to the Chassahowitzka River where we kayaked.
Where is it we are headed now? Wherever it is, it is until death do us part. And you can bet it will include divine appointments and adventures for God.
Is It the Journey or Is It the Destination?
For Carmen and me, it’s about our journey together and what God has in mind. Our destination is our dream. Our dream is to fulfill God’s desires – those things he has put on our hearts and equipped us to do. So really, as we reach one destination He already has another one all ready to go for us. So each destination is a series of mini-journeys that altogether make our whole life a journey.
The Typical Guy
With the typical guy, it’s about the destination, about just getting there. We are going to drive and drive and drive, not stop for gas or to relieve ourselves, and drink not so cold water and eat cold sandwiches because it takes too long to stop. And other cars that we’ve already passed will pass us back while we are stopped, so let’s keep going because we need to get to point A so we can enjoy the destination! Amen.
The Typical Gal
For women in general it’s more about the journey (this is from a guy’s perspective). 😊 On the way to point A, they see a random sign and want to stop at Butterfly World. Then they see a hole in a rock on the side of a big hill and want to stop and take pictures (Crazy Horse) while the guy is racing toward the destination of Mount Rushmore. Scott (me) says, “Honey, we’ve passed that same van 3 times now and they are only going 68 MPH.”
I believe the journey is determined by the destination. Two general scenarios:
- God’s destination – God puts His desires on your heart. He has divine destinations that determine our journeys, one after another until your earth suit gives up and you end up in heaven.
- It is based on what it is going to take to accomplish our dream (our destination).
- Our (own) destination – eat, drink and be merry – the one with the most toys wins.
- This is going to look a little different than the journey God had in mind.
- This might even seem right in one’s own eyes and even be a good thing, but if it is not God’s heart or destination, then the journey is all in vain.
God’s Adventure For Your Life
So I want to challenge you to find God’s destination(s) for your life. And yes, the journey will be quite the adventure. It will test you. There will be mountain tops and valleys, and at times it will be flat and uneventful.
James 1:2-4 NIV
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
What is your current destination? What is your final destination? How would you describe your journey on the way there? Life is:
- a box of chocolates
- like dust in the wind
- a drop in the ocean
- an exciting journey
- What is the phrase you use to describe it?
- Share with us in the comments below!
Where Is It You Are Headed?
So you might have your opinion of whether it is about the journey, or that it is about the destination. But make no mistake. We are on our way somewhere. We need to know our purpose, our direction. And we might not know all the twists or turns or terrain on that journey to where God is taking us, but you can bet it is all worth it. And you better believe it is divine!
Jeremiah 29:11 niv
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Challenge of the day: See the journey, the part of it you are on today with Jesus, as a great adventure. And like a little kid whose mom and dad are taking them on a fun adventure, reflect on how this day is going to be amazing. Then reflect at the end of the day on what made your day amazing. So be it!
Daniel Carpenter says
Happy Anniversary Scott. May the Lord continue to rich bless Carmen, you and your family.
Scott Ramsey says
Many thanks for your kind words Daniel! So be it! :o)