Currently we don't have cable so our TV is used for VCRs and DVDs. This means we don't see too many commercials, unless we watch something on "Hulu." There has been a big push on radio to sign up for the "Red Zone." This is a new channel that will automatically go to the football game where one of the opponents is on the opposing team's 20 yard line or less.
The thought is since the "Red Zone" is when teams are within reasonable scoring distance and that is why we watch sports to see people score, it is the most important part of the game. It suggests we don't want to watch teams travel the distance of the field until they are within striking distance, thus there are within the "Red Zone."
Scoring or the result or the product is what most of us are interested in. Sometimes we call this the "destination" or the "end" of our efforts. The problem with this view is that we don't worry about the "means" or the "journey" or the "struggle" to get to the point of scoring. Yet in the Christian view the journey is just as important as the destination, in fact it is the journey that helps make the destination worthwhile.
It is the effort, the things we do, on the way to our goal that develops our character. It is the overcoming the hurdles, the slogging through the swamp, that develops perseverance that makes us stronger.
It is great to celebrate the goals we reach, but let us not forget all the benefits we receive along the way. The growth we experience in our character comes from the struggles and trials we experience, so don't worry if you are not in the "Red Zone" yet, for there is a lot of yardage to travel still and that yardage will benefit us as much if not more than the end zone, when we get there.
Seeking to enjoy the journey on the way,
Pastor Randy
