The Middle

*This is Part II of the series posted in our department's newsletter. Enjoy! -Brent*


We've learned how the first step in the journey of a thousand miles is very crucial. This action of taking that first step represents your dedication to go the rest of the way.



Perhaps what motivates us to start the journey is what's at the finish line. However, have we ever stopped to think about what goes on along the way?



Take note that the reason that some paths take longer to travel than others is because there are no shorter ways to get to where they lead. It obviously takes a sound mind to accept this truth, and one must be careful not to be sidetracked by options offered as 'shortcuts'.



Are you in the middle of a journey of your own right now? Are you growing weary of your ordeals? It's at these times that we shouldn't fix our eyes on what we don't have. Rather, let us focus our attention on what we have, for us to want to keep going. Notice that there is a difference between wanting to continue and simply continuing just because.



It's really not very hard for us to think of things to be thankful for while in the middle of an ordeal. The mere fact that we have time for ourselves to contemplate on these things to be thankful is already one reason to be thankful. If you're reading this, be thankful that you have your eyesight, and that you were allowed to read this. Then there are the friends and the lessons that you've learned along the way.



This serves as a reminder that as long as we breathe and as long as we wake up to another God-given day we have reason to be thankful, and this should be enough reason for us to just keep going.



Contentment leads us to realizing how patience is truly a virtue.