I like the word journey.  It does not imply following directions, rules or procedures.  It seems to give me permission to wander, ponder and meander. It does not give me a schedule or timeline.  It seems to give me permission to travel as fast or slow as I like.  Sometimes I will come to a dead-end, a “Y” in the road or find a new treasure!
 
The permission to wander and ponder with the scriptures is an important ingredient in my seasons as I journey.  Most of the time my “quick to-get-everything”-done pace doesn’t allow for reflection of my actions and words.  More time than not, slowing down gives me and everyone around me a sense of peace and calm.
 
The world keeps us on a schedule of holidays, work days, family commitments and tasks.  Somehow when I slow down on my journey, I seem to get more done.  My holidays become more memorable.  The work days become more enjoyable and I seem to accomplish a lot more without having to redo activities. And most importantly it ends up getting done with love and grace.
 
It’s the slowing down and listening that get in my way, so I thought.  I feel like I don’t have time to slow down (yes, Martha meet Mary).  I don’t have time to revisit, regroup or rethink.  I must get it all done to make the holiday, job or task happen.  Well, it generally all ends up happening one way or the other.  The cookies are golden brown or burnt.  The job is completed with or without a genuine smile.  The task ends up right side up, upside down or sliding sideways under the door. But I’d prefer to be on the road with joy in my heart.
 
I like the permission to journey, the permission to go off the path and visit new worlds, concepts or revisit what is really important.  When I journey the discoveries are so much more real and rewarding; spending time with family in a real conversation, doing my job so it is pleasing to everyone, most importantly me and taking on a task that has meaning and interest (not doing it to just get it done).
 
Yes, it is that “slowing thing” that gets in my way.  But this year I really want to embrace the journey.  Yes, that means I will need to go a little slower.  Hopefully the load will become lighter, more memorable, more enjoyable and more Christ-like. 

I wish everyone a more meaningful, peaceful, and joy-filled 2019.  I hope you give yourself permission to meander on your journey.