Dear COA Family,
Many of us, even as adults, are tempted to see life as a series of
key events rather than an ongoing journey.
We look forward to career milestones and promotions, financial
breakthroughs, major family events, overseas holidays and
moments of rest as well as significant achievements or
recognition from others.
These moments are good and it is natural to anticipate them.
But what happens when those events are far away? What fills
the long stretches in between?
If we are not careful, we begin to feel that life is only meaningful
when something significant is happening. The ordinary days —
with the routines, responsibilities and repeated tasks — can feel
dull or even burdensome.
But Scripture invites us to see life differently.
Life is not merely a series of highlights; it is a journey with God,
where every step matters.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one
thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to
what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
He continues, “Let those of us who are mature think this way”
(Philippians 3:13-15).
In other words, a mature and wise Christian does not become
enamoured by past glories or get hung up on past failures.
Instead, he presses on in his journey to complete the race.
And he does so by taking one step at a time.
When we begin to see life this way, even the mundane takes on
meaning. The daily rhythms of work, family and responsibility
become the very place where God is shaping us. It is in these
ordinary moments that we learn perseverance, patience, humility
and faithfulness. Growth rarely happens in dramatic leaps — it is
formed quietly, over time.
Viewing life as a journey helps us therefore to treasure every
moment of our lives. It is not simply the high points that make up
our lives. Rather, the mundane can offer times of learning – we
learn to be patient and persevere while working towards our
goals. There can also be interesting and unexpected experiences
that light up our lives.
May the Lord bless you richly in the journey of your life ahead!
God bless,
Revd Ian