Joy is in the Journey

Hello everyone!
I don't have any medical updates to share as yet. I'm doing well and enjoying every day life. As I prayed about what to share this week, God brought to mind some "Joy Journeys" to blog about. I hope it encourages you with hope in your relationship with our blessed Savior. God bless all of you!  --Jacque

When I was ten years old, I made a decision that would affect my life forever: I gave my heart to Jesus. I remember one Sunday our pastor gave an invitation at the end of the service. He asked if anyone would like to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to step out of the pew and come forward. My heart pounded as if it was going to explode…and then I froze, unable to move. I told my mom later that day what had happened. “Next week, I’m gonna do it—I’m gonna go forward!” I said. The next Sunday when the pastor gave the invitation, my heart began to pound like crazy again. But the pounding didn’t compare to the joy I experienced when I took that step of faith and publically proclaimed Jesus as my Savior. From that day forward my journey in eternity began. It hasn’t always been easy. I stumble in my faith, say and do stupid stuff and sometimes make a mess of things. Thank goodness my faith is in a Savior that loves and forgives. Because I’ve found that as I trudge through my messy life, ultimately, Joy is in the Journey.

Fourteen years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. Before he passed away, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with him while he was in the hospital. It was late at night and he asked me to stay with him…just a little bit longer. “Being here alone at night is the worst…I just can’t sleep.” he said. So as I sat by his bed stroking his thin, weary arm, Dad began to share with me some of his personal experiences growing up. His eyes sparkled as he reminisced of places he had lived and ornery things he’d done as a kid. Through my sadness I couldn’t help but smile. It was the most precious time I had ever spent with my dad. Then all too soon, it was time for me to leave. As I drove home from Wichita in the early morning hour, tears blinded my eyes from emotions mixed with joy and sadness. A week later, he died. The best part of my dad’s journey was accepting God’s gift of eternal life. And because of that, he is now living fully in the presence of God. Even through the painful paths of life, while walking daily with Christ you will find it: Joy is in the Journey.

My brother, Jeff, died at the young age of 49. His earthly journey was cut short by the ugly disease, pancreatic cancer. The last time I saw him, I had travelled to his home in California. As I sat on the edge of his bed, we talked about our kids, his fancy boat and the future. The future, as in his heavenly future. In the 49 years of my brother’s life, I remember many times of joy. And because of his claim of Christ, I have no doubt that Jeff is now present with the Lord. Even if the journey is short, look for it, it’s there. For Joy is in the Journey.

God is always present and desires an intimate relationship with each of us. I hope throughout your own life, whether in good times or in challenges, with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will find that Joy is in the Journey.