Over the last couple years, the Lord has been teaching me to embrace and even enjoy the journey of life with God, and to not be too consumed with “arriving.” In the trajectory of my life I have had preferable milestones, points to which I’m constantly looking forward, places at which I long to arrive. These points are usually good places to be - perhaps the accomplishment of a goal, the birth of a child, the experience of the fulfillment of one of God’s promises. What I have noticed, however, is that in-between any two given points is a lot of journey space, space when I am not arriving at any particular destination, accomplishing any particular goal, or celebrating any particularly obvious act of God, space in which I have previously felt uncomfortable.
These days I feel the Lord inviting me to be content in these in-between spaces, these hallways, freeways, and deserts. I am realizing these spaces are where I will spend the vast majority of my life. Additionally, I’m beginning to understand the in-between spaces are not necessarily meaningless, roads whose only purpose is to get me somewhere else. I’m discovering God is not only at the destination; he’s also in the journey itself.
I’m not necessarily giving up on goals or progress, but I am redefining success for myself. Previously I thought success was the arrival at one of my preferred destinations. Now I’m learning success is faithfulness along the way. It’s hearing God’s voice as we walk together, enjoying the journey for all its beauty and mystery, and allowing my travels to shape me. As a result I am becoming more patient and content. I’m becoming more of who I want to be, and who I am meant to be.
This blog is a space I’ll use to share and process some of the things I’m learning and thinking about as I continue my journey onward.
How encouraging is your journey for many of us. And what a blessing is to me being able to participate of corporate prayer with Brothers and sisters. It has made a difference and I thank God for the amazing work in your life and to you for your obedience and willingness to give by grace what you've received by grace.
Thanks Rob!
Posted by: Maribel Boyd | 07/05/2011 at 07:56 PM
I look forward to your future posts.
Posted by: Ed McNeill | 07/05/2011 at 10:07 PM
Maribel, what a gift it is to have people in our church like you who are so encouraging of all God is doing in my life. Thank you!
Posted by: Rob Patterson | 07/06/2011 at 10:55 AM
Fr. Ed, I look forward to your future comments!
Posted by: Rob Patterson | 07/06/2011 at 10:57 AM
Thanks for sharing this, Rob! I totally have been struggling with the same things- staying in the present, in His presence. I've never heard that dilemma described so well. Really encouraging to hear about your journey and I love it all! Thanks for your honesty. Refreshing. Love you!
Posted by: Mikaela | 07/08/2011 at 12:18 PM
Hi Mikaela! I love your description of staying in the present and his presence. Very helpful.
Posted by: Rob Patterson | 07/08/2011 at 12:40 PM