Sunday Scribblings: Destination

As I get ready to set out on a trip to warmer climates, I think about my numerous destinations, the places I will go and who I will travel with. I look forward to getting warm, seeing many new places, getting warm, more adventures in Asia, getting warm, eating new foods (no insects, please), and, did I mention, getting warm? I used to look forward to the destination so much: “when I get out of high school, then…” “when I finish this semester…” “when I just finish grad school, then…” and I missed so much of the journey. It took many years for me to learn to enjoy the journey, as well as the destination.

Now I look forward to the journey – ah, 33 hours on the train. I can just read and sleep, and read and sleep some more. I look forward to spending some time with my Chinese friends in Guangzhou… I look forward to my friend’s wedding in Hong Kong… I look forward to my conferences in Thailand… I look forward to beach time with my friends from Sweden… I look forward to seeing Angkor Wat in Cambodia… I look forward to traveling in Laos… and I look forward to my return trip up the Mekong River into China. And, I will enjoy the journey, as well as look forward to my destinations over the next several weeks.

After I return from my ‘winter migration’, I have many things to look forward to, without a clear destination, but just things on the schedule to do: One is continued language study. I have some great friends who are helping me to learn the language. I look forward to deeper relationships with them, and more fun in language learning.

Another thing that I look forward to is progress, or change, in our business here. I have no clue what this means. I think it means that either our carpet factory will make huge leaps forward, or it will go bust, which means I will look for other work. I laugh as I write this, as I cannot predict the future and I just don’t know what all this means. I just know that change will happen. And, there is another medical project in the rumor mill, so I am excited for the opportunity to really get my hands into some good work.

And, I have another thing that I look forward to this year, with no ‘destination’, but with the goal of a closer relationship with God: My desire is that God would burn the desire for him and his word deep within my heart, not just on the surface, but to go really deep with him. I want each and every day to have the desire to be with him and read his word, and that this would be a burning desire. I am setting this desire and goal with him. It is not a ‘resolution’, and it is not a ‘read-the-Bible-through-in-a-year” goal. Only he has the power to strengthen my resolve to do this. I want him to change me from the inside out. I cannot do this on my strength alone. No matter what I do, or where ever I place my value, it will never be enough. I want him only to be my heart’s desire. I want him to be enough. I want him to be my destination, and I want to enjoy the journey along the way.

Comments

[Rose of Sharon]

I look forward to reading about your upcoming destinations, especially about your open desire to have God be your final destination. I know He will take you there.

[Rethabile]

Exciting times ahead. All the best, for those, and for 2007 in general...

[tinker]

Can't wait to hear about your journeys and the destinations you find. Enjoy!

[Amber]

Great SS. I share some of these thoughts with you. ;)
Be safe in your travels.

:)