Five Minute Friday prompt this week is—JOURNEY. This largely unedited “rough draft” form of writing stretches this perfectionist, in the best of ways. I write for five minutes on a given topic. If you’re interested in learning more about 5-Minute Fridays, check out our hostess, Kate Motaung’s site. Or, click on the link at the bottom of this post. As you read my simpler Friday posts, I hope you’ll join in the conversation!
JOURNEY
I’ve said it before. This year has turned out so differently than I anticipated.
It’s held many complications to “my” plans, my hopes. So many distractions.
Hubs traveling. Boys bickering. Injuries thrown in. Disappointments along the way.
Right now, my journey—my path—feels overrun with vines.
And I am . . . weary.
I shouldn’t be irritated by the small things, I know I shouldn’t. But when I am weary, irritation is one of the first indicators. My poor family.
God never promises us an easy journey. Whether we’re on the marriage journey, the parenting journey, the infertility journey, the dream-seeking journey, or the illness journey.
He never promises us a smooth and rock-free path.
He never declares it will be a hill-less hike.
Instead, it’s a journey where we sometimes get tripped up. The path turns in unexpected directions. Sometimes we trip on the rocks in the path. At times, the path is so narrow we barely fit on it without plummeting from the drop off a few inches away.
There are seasons where the path is even. Times when things go fairly smoothly.
And there are times when the path I’m walking feels steep, defeating, and discouraging.
One thing I’ve learned is that, no matter where I’m at in my journey, I need to trust my Father. He knows each step coming up for me.
When my eyes are fixed on Him, though I may trip, the recovery won’t be as difficult, because God is there. Though I may stumble or get caught up in the vines of unmet expectations (with people or circumstances), God’s grace will catch me. He will untangle me. He will set me aright again.
He will always be with me. With us on every step of our journey.
What about you? When your journey has been hard or discouraging, how did you work through it? What’s your favorite verse for those times when the journey feels overwhelming?
I’m linking up with Kate Motaung’s Five Minute Friday—Journey
Agree About
This year feeling like a wearisome journey. When I hit the one year anniversary of my big hard journey this past October I had to smile. Though it’s been the most difficult and painful year of my life I had made it one year. The crazy thing is the day after the anniversary it was re thrown in my face. But for one day the simple thought of we made it through this darkness for one year settled over me like a quiet victory. Because many times in a journey of pain U really doubt your ability to come through. I really hope 2017 is one of those smoother years for you. A time of peace hope and joy. Great post
The quiet victory . . . you have that to hold onto, Somer. I don’t know what your hard was in your year, but I am thankful God is giving you a testimony. You can survive those hard seasons. And God is always there, right? Thank you for your well-wishes. I hope the same for your 2017. Sending you a virtual hug.
I love the visual of the “vines” on our path. It reminds me of the scene in one of the Harry Potter movies (forgive me if this is too far out there) where they are in the maze and the vines grow and overtake them. But as you said, God is always there to untangle us. I have to remember to *relax* so that the untangling feels easier and so that I don’t fight against it.
Peace.
Patricia (FMF#42)
Patricia, no worries on mentioning Harry Potter. 😉 I’m so thankful that He untangles my thoughts because that often where I begin to wander from the path into dangerous territory. I have to work to not fight against Him sometimes, too. 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting!
I love this message, Jeanne. The photos are beautiful, too. I’m sorry for your weariness, and I pray God will pour refreshing balm into your spirit. It’s a comfort to know that God is always with us, no matter how rough the journey is, and He will catch us with His grace when we stumble. Thank you for this encouragement. I needed it today. Have a blessed weekend! Hugs!
Thank you for those prayers, Trudy. And I completely agree. I’m so thankful that He is ALWAYS with us. And that He catches us when we stumble. Thanks so much for stopping by!
This makes me think of the song lyric:
“All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread…”
He does know. He’s already been where we’re going.
And now I see a theme popping up as I spend time reading and commenting today: rest and trust. Even when it’s hard.
Marie, I love those words. Isn’t it amazing to know He’s already been where we are going? When I stop to think about that, it leaves me in speechless awe. Rest and trust. I think I need to do more of that. Thanks for your encouragement.
Lead me to The Rock that is higher than me! Psalm 61.2 Visiting from FMF – we aren’t neighbors but I wanted to stop in and say hi!
I LOVE that verse, Susan. I’ve quoted it to others and to myself for years. It’s been my prayer many a time. Thanks for stopping in!
You know, I’m weary too, Jeanne. My daughter Molly and I have decided that it is partly due to the heat that is persisting around here … energy and renewed focus come with cooler temps for us, it seems. Beyond that, yes … changed plans, unmet expectations, boulders in the path and pebbles in my shoe … such a comfort to know He goes before us and is with us. Love these thoughts of yours today …
Lois, we’ve had heat too. I’ve never worn capris and flip-flops in October and November before. 🙂 I agree. I’m truly grateful God goes before us and is with us. I always appreciate your visits!
Great post Jeanne! It’s been difficult. But I know whom I have believed and know that He is ABLE! More than really to see us through the journey He has laid out for us.
Christy, a great reminder! And the song is now floating through my head. 🙂 I’m so glad God is able to see us through every step of our journey. I always appreciate your visits!
“Though I may stumble or get caught up in the vines of unmet expectations (with people or circumstances), God’s grace will catch me.” I love this line. And knowing I am being grafted as one in His vine has helped me along the journey. Also, someone once told me ‘Expectation is premeditated resentment’. I’ve held on to that too!
Lynn, wow. I never thought about expectation being premeditated resentment. I’m definitely going to need to think on that. It’s a convicting thought. It is a pretty amazing thing to know that we’re grafted into God’s family, isn’t it? Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts here!
Loved this: “Though I may stumble or get caught up in the vines of unmet expectations (with people or circumstances), God’s grace will catch me.” This is totally me… unmet expectations are my biggest trip-up. So grateful for His grace! Thanks for the great reminder! ❤️️
Your neighbour in FMF14 today)
Shauna, they’re one of my biggest trip-ups too. Sigh. I’m glad I’m not alone in that, but I’m sorry you struggle with them too. 🙂 May we both walk in His grace as we walk out our journeys. 🙂
Jeanne, i enjoyed your post. identified with much of it myself. i’m at slot 12 this week:)
Thanks, Martha. I sense many of us walk a common journey. May God give you strength and encouragement as you work out your journey!
He knows every step coming up for me. Amen!!! Loved every bit of this, friend.
#11 FMF
meg, i’m your next door neighbor at 12, but your subscribe block kept getting stuck and i wasn’t able to leave a comment. i enjoyed your post:) sorry to leave the note here, but i wasn’t able to do it on your blog.
Hey thanks for letting me know! I will take it down for now until I figure something out. God bless you!
Doesn’t that truth give hope, Meg? I’m so glad He sees our journeys from first step to last. Thankful for you!
Amen! Thankful for you too! = )
Discouraging painful now.
Jesus died like a man.
So will I.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/11/your-dying-spouse-228-strength-for.html
Andrew, my friend. I’m praying for you. May our Father lift your heart and encourage you, even in this, the hardest of journeys. May He be your strength. May He give you eyes to see His presence with you. Sending you a very gentle, virtual hug. ((HUG))
Beautiful imagery both in your photographs and your words, Jeanne.
And if we weren’t stumbling, we wouldn’t need Him, would we? We need to be caught. And how He loves to catch us! In a trust exercise, God never drops anyone.
Thank you for sharing from your heart. Excited for how this season of growth will strengthen you for the next season!
Love,
Tammy
(#10 tonight!)
So true, Tammy. If we didn’t stumble, we wouldn’t need Him. Although I hate that I stumble, I love that our Father picks me up when I do. He holds my arm to support me. He catches me when I fall. So thankful for that too.
Thank you for being such an encourager, my friend!
Yes, fixing our eyes on Him is the only way to move through the vines and unexpected obstacles that block our way! I tend to be just as defeated and weary, and He is always with us. Thank you for this!
Bonnie, I keep seeing myself coming back to this theme lately—keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who needs these reminders. 🙂 I’ll pray for your weariness today. 🙂
Yes! The journey of life is so not easy. I’m so glad we are never alone. Great post friend. I’m over in the #8 parking spot this week.
I’m with you, Tara. SOO glad we’re not alone! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like the prayer my father had for me and my husband. “Lord, grant them enough bumps in the road so that they know where the smooth spots are.” I’ve told him before, “I’m tired of the bumps!” But I know now that they are there for a reason. May you find peace on your journey in this season of your life.
Hugs,
Melinda
It sounds like your father is a wise man, Melinda. That’s not a prayer I would ask someone to pray over me, but it’s a prayer of wisdom. It’s only walking with the bumps that we grow into the people God designed us to be. Thanks so very much for stopping by.
Yes to all these words! I understand all too well what it feels like to have your journey look much different than you imagined. Here’s to continuing our walk with God knowing that He will always help us find the way. Happy weekend!
Mary, I am certain you can relate to the shifts a life journey takes. I’m so thankful that God helps us through every step of our days. And I’m blessed to be walking part of my journey with you.