by Doug Garner
For most people “the good life” is more of a destination than it is a journey. Joy is often viewed as the city we travel to, instead of the highway we travel on. Too many people, surprisingly many Christians, see joy as something that is experienced once we “arrive” – once we’re married, once we are earning so much money a year, once we get somewhere else other than here.

The naked truth about joy is that it’s not the result of changing your life circumstances – it is the result of embracing them. It doesn’t matter what your travel challenges look like; what matters is how you view them. I’m sure you have witnessed two different people going through the same difficulty, such as two adults experiencing the cancellation of an important flight. Each one encounters the same life situation, but both respond differently. One may grow bitter while the other one gets better. Why is this?

Perspective is the key issue – one sees himself as a victim while the other sees himself as a victor. They are both looking at the same situation, but each one sees something different. And therein lies the difference between the person filled with Joy and the Whiner – one chooses to learn and grow in tough times while the other chooses to quit and whimper.

Joy is the result of looking at life through eyes that see a spiritual sovereignty in everything. As a follower of Christ, inner joy is an understanding that even when things happen outside our plans we can still see God’s hand directing us. We can still celebrate life. If you have a joy problem, it’s because you have a vision impairment. You’re seeing things wrong. While the joyless see the problem in every solution, it is the joyful that see the solution in every problem.

At the heart of joy is a decision to be thankful in all circumstances. Joy is a choice. It is not the result of getting everything you want; it is the gift of choice. You choose how to experience what life deals you. Joy is not what you receive at the end of the battle – it is what accompanies you through the battle. It is not somewhere that you journey to – it is what you journey with!

Joy is what you choose to do, right where you are, right now. If you think joy comes when your life is perfect and full of bliss, then you don’t understand what joy is. It is not based on what is happening around you.

Joy travels to your highest highs and your lowest lows. Joy can be in you when it’s your turn to clean the latrine on the next camping trip, when your finances are stretched too tight and you have to downsize the family vacation, or when you miss an important flight.

Like your favorite travel clothes, wherever you go, joy can travel with you. Don’t leave it in your suitcase; clothe your self with joy. In order to seize each day, even the mundane days, you must choose to see the joy found in being alive.

NOTE TO READER: Could this be a High Adventure trip for Dad's Day or Mom's Day? Make it FATHER/DAUGHTER or MOTHER/SON and check out the original activity that put GTD on the map. 2008 will bring on the 13th annual SLAMMED events (open to the public, ages 13 and older) which includes rock climbing, rappelling, hiking, mt boarding, cliff jumping, and white water rafting. Base camp is set up near a secluded forested area with multiple waterfalls close by. SLAMMED Event 1--May 22-26, 5-day adventure to Tellico Plains, Tennessee USA. SLAMMED Event 2--July 17-21, 5-day adventure to Cornelia, Georgia USA.

MAP Advice: Check GTD's Website to see what is included and not included in the cost and view many other 2008 adventure options (some private, some public). The site informs re mandatory and optional gear, clothing, and toiletries for each trip. If not stated, ask for age requirements.

Doug Garner is CEO of “Going The Distance Adventure Ministry” with offices in Largo, Florida, USA. Once you meet him, you understand the energy behind the adventures his company offers. Doug writes from his heart and is a passionate follower of Christ who lives out his Christianity.

--Contact number: 727.394.9483
—Event calendar:
www.goingthedistance.org/calendar.asp