The Journey
Chaplain Liz Danielsen
July 2025
Life is a journey, and the journey begins from the moment of birth. In the word "journey", there is a hint that this is a journey that you do not take alone. There is a letter “U” that suggests that you are part of this incredible journey of life. There is also the word “our” which suggests to me that we are not alone, but we are on this journey with others which is an encouragement to me.
Life’s journey is also filled with precious moments of celebration and losses that bring much pain. Jesus Christ’s journey began at birth in a manger. I began my journey at the Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Jesus Christ’s journey led him to the cross. My journey is leading me to heaven. However, there are a lot of things that happen between birth and the moment I step into heaven. Along the journey, I have found some life-long friends who have traveled with me in the good and not so good times. There are people who seem to come and go but are still a very important part of the journey. It is hard when they are no longer with you, but they have left something very special behind that you will always cherish. There are also those who you wish were not with you on your journey, but God has placed them there so you can learn to be like Jesus.
Wow, did I write that? It is never an easy time for anyone to go through, but later, you find it was important to have the experience. Hopefully, growth comes from that experience, and you are a wiser and better person. However, you may also find that the person who was difficult to understand, who frustrated you so much, may become a trusted friend. There are people who should not be on your journey for very good reasons and that decision is never easy to make. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to show us.
There are quiet as well as busy and active times on our journey. All those moments are directed by the One who knew all about our journey before we were even in our mother’s womb. As I am getting older, I am so much more aware that the “Journey of Life” is sacred, and everything we do on our journey has meaning. I see it much clearer now when I take time to look back. I have become much wiser about how I use my time, both personally and professionally. I wish I had seen it as clearly years ago. There is no going back in time, so I pray intentionally about the decisions I need to make now and who I should spend my time with. Jesus had his family, but then He chose the twelve that would journey with Him to the cross in the last three years of His life.
Who is traveling with you on your journey? These words from the hymn, "Gifts from God", give you a glimpse of who is traveling with me, as well as others. “It may be in the valley, where countless dangers hide. It may be in the sunshine that I, in peace, abide. But this one thing I know if it be dark or fair, If Jesus is with me, I’ll go anywhere” (C. Austin Miles).