“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

We have a long trip planned with the family this summer. My daughter is anything but enthused about the lengthy amount we will spend on the road. Last night as we talked about all the fun we’ll have on this trip, my daughter looked stoic.

After a few minutes of listening, she said, “I can’t think of the fun because all I can think about is the long car ride that I’m dreading.” My wise husband responded to her, “What? Why? It’s going to be great. We’re going to split up the trip with lots of fun. We’ll stop at all the lakes. We’ll eat at fun places. There will be tons of treat stops. It’s going to be amazing.” Pure brilliance.

I glanced at my daughter and watched as her brows raised and a smile cracked her forlorn face. An idea that mere moments before seemed arduous and dreadful now became something to anticipate.

How often do we feel that way on our health journey? For many, the starting point seems dreadfully far from the desired destination. Time and endurance can wear us down to the extent that we lose joy in the journey. It’s important to remember to count our joy in forwarding steps. There may be pit stops along the way when progress stops momentarily. The difference between frustration and joy may depend on how we respond to those moments.

Today, I encourage you to breakdown the journey in your mind. Rather than focusing on the distance ahead, celebrate the joy in small bits. Enjoy gratitude for a day with abounding energy. Celebrate a spirit-filling walk on a stunning spring day. Belly laugh at lunch with good friends knowing this journey is not about a meal but grace-filled moments. Today, lift your chin and spirit and ask the Lord to lead you into all joy, hope, and peace as you seek Him. May your heart be light and may there be joy in your journey today.