Are we there yet?

We are driving in our van. The digital map on the dash displays the estimated time of arrival. Earbuds link to cellphones, siblings squabble over the best seats, blankets and pillows surround impatient passengers as they stare out the window and feast on trail mix. Dad deciphers road signs while mom wonders when the next bathroom break will be. Somewhere between the driveway of home and the bliss of destination will come the question: “Are we there yet?” Sound familiar?

I am on a journey to wholeness in Christ. This journey started years ago and has included many twisty turns, hair-raising descents and long seasons of staring at the map and wondering, “Where am I?”

Recently, I asked my therapist when I would be done with this journey of therapy. As you can guess, he did not give me a specific time but focused on the process. I want a detailed schedule stating when this journey will end. Instead, I feel like I’m on a forever road trip and left wondering when or if I will ever reach the destination.

For now, I stare out my window and enjoy the view. What do I see? I see friends praying for our family. I see our family working through challenges. I see a cornucopia of emotions bursting forth from dungeons and songs springing out of the rocky ground. These are signs that we are on the right road to wholeness.

“There is wisdom in admitting we do not know, cannot promise, and trust that the Lord is the Author and finisher of your faith and healing journey. And in both hope and faith, we continue to walk through the valley of the shadow of death knowing he is our Great Shepherd” -Paul Miller MaMFT

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)