I am tired and weary. I promised to write a post daily through Advent, but I became increasingly anxious about what to put on paper. What more must I clean, and how long must I wait for Christ’s birth? I feel like I traveled millions of miles with a million more left.

     Sitting down to write at my computer, I remembered a hard truth. Completing a difficult task is seldom, if ever, easy. I often face issues that appear more manageable to avoid than to work through. Avoidance gives way to reason, and I find myself discovering a strength not of my own making but of a supernatural resource that offers me insight when I grow weary.

     I discovered that I have more in the tank than I thought. The Spirit offers hope as it moves through me and in the world. Suddenly, I possess the stamina I need to carry me through the rest of my journey to the manger. The distance is not far at all.

     The chant I hear in my soul is “Go Forward!” My restored motivation lifts me out of the pit and into a place of complete discovery. If I had surrendered to my base feelings, I would have missed the blessing waiting for me around each turn. The truth is, we do not know what waits for us around the bend. The only way to discover the next part of the journey is to move forward and not around our path. It’s in these unexpected turns that we find the most profound revelations.

     On this 22nd day of December, I encourage everyone to remain on the path and follow the journey through struggles. On the other side, a blessing awaits that might change our lives. This journey is not just about reaching the destination but about the transformation within us along the way.