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Take That Trip – Because Your Life Journey Is Important

In just a few short weeks, millions of us will hop into our cars or rent shuttle buses from https://limofind.com/ and travel somewhere to celebrate the holidays  For most, it will be a short trip to be with family and friends.  Others will drive for a day or more to get to favorite holiday destinations.  Along the way, we will listen to songs about being home for Christmas and celebrating with those we love.  The car will likely be packed full of gifts to share with others.

Road trips and the holidays go hand in hand.  We might even meet “a man who lives in Tennessee heading to Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie.”  Or, we might see some traveling from “Pennsylvania to that sunny Dixie shore.”  Truly, “from Atlantic to Pacific,” people are on the road to somewhere.

As you travel to all the places where you celebrate, you will most likely find joy in your destination.  The goal will be to arrive in time to enjoy the holiday season and see those you love.  Then, when all is done, the goal will be to get home safely back to where you need to be.  This travel is all so very important (and I sincerely hope you are safe and find joy in your celebrations), yet, I also hope you will take a moment to contemplate the journey.

Every day, each of us is traveling.  We are constantly headed somewhere or returning from somewhere.  We are moving almost constantly.  So it goes with life—we are constantly heading to something or departing from something.  Yet, are you paying attention to the significance of your journey?

Whether you are Christian or not, you cannot help but be impressed by the story of the first Christmas and those who traveled then.  Think for a moment on Mary and Joseph.  Here were two humble newlyweds, soon to be welcoming their first child, traveling to their hometown to pay taxes.  Surely it was most uncomfortable for Mary.  Joseph must have been like any other nervous and unprepared father-to-be.  Yet, they took that important journey.

They could not have known what would come as a result of that momentous trip!  They took a relatively humble and simple journey and were part of changing the world! Think for a moment on humble shepherds tending their flocks that cool evening.  After a greeting from heavenly messengers, they made their way to witness the birth of a little child.  Did they know what their journey would lead to as they headed out that night?  The model of a shepherd as a leader has influenced the world.  And, what one of us has not rejoiced in the arrival of a brand new beautiful baby?

Finally, the humble wise men who followed the star could not have known what would come as a result of their trip.  To talk of following stars inspires even the best of men and women.  What one of us has not looked up to the heavens and sought for direction?  These wise men left to go to an unknown destination following only that bright light and their faith.  To this day, millions throughout the world rely on their faith to guide them.  Even more, people everywhere follow their example and head to stores to find meaningful gifts for those they love.

Do you really know that your journey matters?  When you head out each day to your work, to take care of your children, to visit family and friends, do you realize what is happening?  When is the last time you contemplated on the significance of your journey and the impact you can and do make in this world?

Sometime this month, you will likely turn on the television and see Frank Capra’s classic story “It’s A Wonderful Life.”  This tale shows the impact of the life of self-sacrificing George Bailey, who was always where he was needed instead of where he wanted to be.  How often do we feel the same way?  We hope to be somewhere we are not, but stay and do our duty here.

There is not a mother alive who has not given up much to be where her children needed her to be.  Who among us would not love to know what difference she has made in this life?  “It’s A Wonderful Life” is a classic because it shows all of us what we most want: We want to know our lives matter!  We want to know our journey in this mortal world has made an impact on someone!  We want significance!

Something bigger is happening every time you and I head down the roads of life.  We are surely going places.  However, what happens to us as we go forward is significant!  We see it in the likes of Mother Teresa, Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, and others.  Yet, we so often fail to see it on ourselves.  Our journey matters.  Your journey matters! I personally believe this is part of what Charles Dickens was trying to say in “A Christmas Carol.” He concluded the holiday was wonderful because people tended to “think of people…as if they really were fellow-passengers…and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”  If we look for it, we can see that we all make a difference as we head out on life’s journey.  And not just at Christmas time!

So, “if you want to be happy in a million ways,” would you please take a moment this holiday season to reflect on the absolute significance of your life?  Please know that “no matter how far away you roam,” that who you are and what you do makes a profound difference in this world.  Each and every day you impact your “fellow passengers.”

A favorite quote of mine gives voice to the feelings in my heart as I write this column:

“Let this one absolute truth from heaven sink into your mind and heart—You have the power within you to astonish this world (Robert C. Gay).

I am convinced that every time you head out your door, you are in fact doing just that!  Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays!

Jim R. Jacobs
Jim R. Jacobshttp://www.drivinglessonsforlife.com/
Jim R Jacobs is a brave creator who strives to do mighty things! Jim is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator helping others to live more brave and authentic lives! He is the author of Driving Lessons For Life: Thoughts on Navigating Your Road to Personal Growth. Jim speaks professionally, and coaches others to success and living with integrity. He is a counselor, educator, innovator, father, and friend. Please check out Jim R. Jacobs and Driving Lessons For Life and find Jim on social media! Let's connect and dare mighty things!

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