One Very Important Part of the Journey of Life
One Very Important Part of the Journey of Life
Today’s post is written by my good friend Katy McCown. She and I have the wonderful privilege to write for the First 5 app. Today Katy is sharing a special message about the journey of life. I am doubly excited because of her new book, “She Belongs.” Is now available! Check out below how to save $$ and order your copy today!
A few weeks ago I went on a hike with the whole family – me, my husband, Luke, and all six of our children … and did I mention it was a sunrise hike? Oh yes, in order to see the sunrise from the mountain peak we had to begin our ascent in the pre-dawn hours. (3 a.m., to be exact.)
You should know, I am not a morning person. I don’t even know if 3 a.m. counts as morning yet! Nevertheless, the family thought this would be an adventure, and since I’m a part of the family they wanted me to come, too.
The hike was seven miles roundtrip and started out as a fun family adventure. It was almost as though we didn’t notice how early it was or consider how long the trail would be. But the longer we hiked the more weary we became.
When we began our trip up the mountain, we spread out a little on the trail. Some of the kids went at a faster pace. Some took their time. But after several hours of hiking—when we were all tired, hungry and feeling the weight of the journey— something changed.
Instead of going at our own paces, we stayed closer to each other and walked together. Instead of focusing on where we were going, we prioritized going together. The more difficult our circumstances became, the more aware we became we needed each other.
Believe it or not, we made it to the top of the mountain. We watched the sunrise, and then made it all the way back down. Later that morning, after a few cups of coffee and a hot breakfast, I thought more about what happened on our hike.
Here’s what I learned: We won’t always know when the journey of life will become difficult, but when it does, who is traveling with us will become very important.
Tweet ThisShe Belongs Study
With the busyness the fall brings knocking at the door, I’m reminded of how quickly our schedules can become full. Before we know it, we can be on the road of life trying to handle it all on our own.
Instead of spending the fall trying to keep up or catch up, I’d love for you to join me in the pages of my new Bible study, She Belongs: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ. In week three you’ll learn how the key to keeping it together when life gets tough is coming together in the body of Christ.
You can get your copy here.
(Use the discount code: 3MCCOWNVIP to get 15% off. The code is good through August 7!)
If you feel like you’re hiking the trail of life alone today, I want to encourage you. When we feel alone we can allow it to remind us we were created in the image and likeness of God.
God exists in community, and He designed us for belonging in Christ. Here is a prayer to help lead you to a new start:
Dear God, I’m exhausted from trying to handle life all on my own. Thank you for giving me a place to belong. Help me to put down my own ways and pull side-by-side with other believers to accomplish Your purposes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Katy McCown is the author of She Belongs: Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ and She Smiles without Fear: Proverbs 31 for Every Woman. She is a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries and host of the Best Day Ever podcast. Katy and her husband, Luke, a former NFL quarterback, are raising six children on their ranch in Texas.