Psalm 1 - Every Journey Begins with the First Step

A journey is about discovery. I have been on this journey called life for a long time and the one thing that I have discovered is that I don't think you ever "arrive". At least, not in this lifetime. It is kind of like climbing the back side of a mountain range. Not only is the path at times rocky and at times smooth, at times wide and at times narrow, at times uphill and at times downhill; but just when you get to the crest of what you thought was the summit, you discover yet another peak beyond. I have come to the conclusion that my journey is actually a preparation for what is yet to come. My "passport" to this adventure was issued upon an invitation from Someone who loved me far greater than I could have ever imagined possible. So much so that He willingly offered His life as a payment for my "passport"....for me! Who would do that for someone as insignificant as I considered myself to be? As a child I can remember contemplating life and thinking that it seemed to be meaningless if we just existed for a life span of 70-80 years....if we were fortunate....and then died. In other words, why be born just to die? Unless we were extraordinary and invented something that "could change the world", then we would most likely only exist in old photo albums after passing. I know, you are probably thinking, "How depressing!" And yet amidst the gloom and sadness, there would be a ray of light that appeared in the form of Truth. It is amazing how brilliant light can appear in the midst of darkness. It is impossible to ignore and when faced with it we have a choice....to respond or to turn away. I spent much of my childhood trying to earn that passport into what I hoped would be immortality before learning that it is not for sale...the purchase was already made on my behalf. I just needed to receive the gift offered. The Light that had shown so clearly amidst the darkness to give me hope was the Truth that God had so loved that He had sent His Son to die on a cross to offer eternal life to all who would choose to believe. My heart melted as I basked in the warmth of that reality. For me....my choice was clear. I chose to respond and have not looked back since. My journey began at that moment of acceptance. My passport guaranteed me eternity, but not necessarily smooth passage. It guaranteed me hope and help, but not freedom from pain and suffering along the way. Still, as I reveal portions of my journey through this journal the one thing that I can choose to say is that no matter what befalls me I am.....Still Rejoycing.