Destination

Destination vs. Joy

In the world around us, it seems as if the destination is the cure. We grow up in a flood of benchmarks, each one with it's fleeting excitement that never seems to fulfill. As I grow older, I'm beginning to recognize this lifestyle is toxic. The destination mindset trains us to fix our eyes on an "end goal", stopping at nothing to achieve it. 

Our culture is so successful at embedding this mindset that it's become nearly impossible to escape. As an adult, I find myself trying to re-train my brain with little reminders. At the end of my stairway, a poster that reads Happiness is not a Destination, it is a Way of Life. And pinned to my calender, above my desk, The Destination of any Journey is not a Place. 

But what do these mean? What's so "wrong" with grooming children to be goal-oriented?

What they mean is this: The Joy is in the Journey

"Without exception, we all long for happiness... all agree that they want to be happy... they may search for it in different ways, but all try their hardest to reach the same goal, that is, joy." -St. Augustine

And this brings us to the problem. We're trained to focus on the destination. We're searching for joy, from the depths of our soul, and we're looking in the wrong place. We've somehow associated joy with the notion of accomplishment, and instead of slowing down to enjoy the journey - we're groomed to be focused, fast, ruthless, and successful. And we begin to believe that the destination will provide reward, and reward will provide fulfillment, and then we'll find joy. And for a brief moment, the destination mindset may provide an excitement that mimics joy... but it's not the true joy we were meant to experience. 

The joy we were meant to experience is far bigger than any destination. And until we reverse our current mindset, we cannot achieve it. 

"I don't need more time to breath so that I may experience more locales, possess more, accomplish more. Because wonder really could be here - for the seeing eyes". 
                                                                                                             -Ann Voskamp

And that's it, right there in front of you. Joy. In the fleeting moment of every day that you're rushing through to reach that destination. In the moments of frustration and anxiety that could be (should be) thankfulness. In the beautiful little moments that we so often don't stop to recognize. How are we missing it? God has provided all of the grace we need in the everyday... and yet we're out there searching for it. 

So yes, set your goals high. But everyday, with a thankful heart, embrace the grace that God has provided. Slow down, breathe, connect, pray, and listen. Don't be so focused on your "end goal" that you've blinded yourself to the possibility that God may have a different plan for your life. And when He speaks, act according to His will and not your own. 

Embrace each day with a grateful mindset, and you will suddenly recognize the joy that exists all around you.