THE JOURNEY HOME

As a Christian, you can consider your life on this earth as a pilgrimage to eventually spend eternity with God our Father and Jesus our Lord.

Have you really viewed your life as that?  Maybe not focusing so much on the routine “things” you do daily but on the things that are really important for eternity?

On your journey home, you may travel down many different roads.

**Some roads may be heavily traveled–Maybe you find yourself following the crowd which could be good or bad.

**Some roads may be only slightly traveled–Maybe you find yourself forging your own path doing what you feel God has called you to do that others may not think is popular.

Photo credit by ANDRÉS NIETO PORRAS under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0) Word added by www.hopetoinspireyouwordpress.com

**Some might be very bumpy and full of potholes–These are the times when trials and tribulations are coming at you to test your faith.

**Some might be smooth–Things just seem to be moving right along on a nice, even keel where you know God is in control.

Whatever roads your life takes, the important thing is to keep your eyes focused on Jesus, knowing He is in control. Relying on His power and surrendering the trials of this life to Him will get you down those roads.

On your journey home, you have the opportunity of meeting many different pilgrims along the way.

**Some pilgrims will have the same views as you on life and faith–Maybe inspiring you to live a better life or giving you a different viewpoint to consider.

Jenny, a great pilgrim (& editor) in the Lord who inspires me!

**Some pilgrims will not share the same views as you on life and faith–Maybe you will be an inspiration for them or your life may help them see something differently when the time is right in their life.

By sharing your different experiences with each other, you both may help each other. There is so much to be learned from sharing one another’s journey if we are willing. 

On your journey home, you have the opportunity to do things that build up the kingdom of God on this earth.

**Giving to the poor, lowly, needy

**Sharing your love of the Lord through whatever gift God has given you-inspiring music, writing, art, spoken word

**Serving the less fortunate through serving meals, sharing the Gospel

Photo credit by QUOTESEVERLASTING under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0)

**Praying for others to make a difference in their life

**Showing love and kindness to all you meet–opening a door for a stranger, sharing a meal with a widow or widower

**Giving an encouraging word to someone who is feeling down or alone

On this pilgrimage home, our focus should be mostly on how we can build up the kingdom of God with the gifts God has given us and how we can bring His love to all we meet.

Through everything in this life, it is important to keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus.

Everything you do—whether in speech or action—is done unto Him. It makes no difference if you’re at home, school or work—it is all for the Lord.

By keeping the proper focus throughout your journey, you will be prepared to make that final crossing whenever the Lord calls you home, without fear or concern. Then you can spend eternity face to face with our Lord—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  –Colossians 3:17  (NIV)