J is for Joy of the Journey #AtoZChallenge2017

Continuing on with the April A to Z Challenge!!  J is for Joy of the Journey.  Actually J is for "Discovering the Joy of the Journey."  Way back in 1999 (I think that is the correct year??), I was Lay Director on Alabama Emmaus Walk 215 (I think that is the correct number!!).  Rev. Pete Furio was the Spiritual Director and our theme for the team meetings and through the weekend was Discover the Joy of the Journey.  I know that I have a group picture from that weekend buried somewhere in my craft room.  I couldn't find that picture but found a couple of other group pictures from other Emmaus weekends.

I can still remember when Pete and I met for lunch to discuss the scripture options for the week.  He said that we should use this passage from John 15 with the focus on verse 11.

5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete!  In order to discover the joy of the journey we have to be connected to the source of all joy. 

I've not been feeling as full of joy lately . . .I've been staying up too late.  I'm not as connected as I need to be.  I haven't been spending enough time IN the word.  I know what to do - I need to ABIDE in him.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  May it be so, Lord Jesus, may it be so!