The world says “life is a destination”. Where do you want to be in five years? What do you see yourself doing? What are your goals? Plans for yourself?

We easily get sucked into this culture. “I want to get married.” “I want that job.” But what happens when you get there? You made it so it is over, right?

In this book I have been reading, “How’s Your Soul?” (highly recommend), Judah Smith says that “life isn’t about arriving.” It is not a starting point and an end point. It is a consistent journey. We never stop learning. We never stop growing. We don’t stop experiencing.

I don’t know about you, but I want to live a life that is worth living. I don’t want to look back at the end of my time and think that I could’ve experienced a little more or enjoyed the ride not longer, but more effectively. 

Jesus is the ultimate example of an effective life. He wasn’t here too long, but He made His time effective. He did what he needed to do. He did what he was sent to do. He fulfilled the Father’s plans for Him.

“A fulfilled soul and effective life is the goal.”

Life is about finding your rhythm, depending on God, surrendering your life, and surrounding yourself within the community that God places you.

Ultimately, this is all God’s. This is His will, His plan, and His life. We are just along for the ride. We are on a journey.

It is important for us not to take life too seriously. Don’t try to control your life or overcomplicate things. God’s got it! But it is also just as important to not free float and see where the wind takes you. Adhere to God’s plans. Live it out.

This book reminded me today to surrender, receive the people in my life, while keeping my soul grounded in the truth.

Life is not about our own plans, our own goals, hopes or dreams, but it is about living in coherence with the Lord, trusting Him, finding freedom in the surrender, and receiving from the community He surrounds us with.

Live simple. Live effective. Live free. Live for Him.

Look to the cross and live like that.

Job 11:13-15

Surrender your heart to God,
turn to him in prayer,
and give up your sins—
even those you do in secret.
Then you won’t be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless.