The Mindless Scroll
Absent-mindedly scrolling past pictures of friends on vacation or celebrating milestones in their lives, I was barely paying attention.
First drawn to the image, the quote grabbed me.
“Destination addiction – a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place….”
Interesting concept. Save the image to my phone. Scroll on.
For the past three weeks, the Spirit has continued to draw my mind back to the idea of destination addiction.
Just Around the Corner
This world does a great job of teaching us that fulfillment or joy will be found one step ahead of where we happen to be.
Finish school, get a job, then you will be happy. Get the promotion; that is where contentment will be found. Fulfillment will be yours with a different job that pays better, challenges you more, and has more likable co-workers. Life will be filled with joy when you can retire and stop working. Retirement will be enjoyable once you find the right place to give back to your community.
Happiness and fulfillment are always found in the next thing.
My Maroon Plymouth Memory
Fast forward a few decades and multiple vehicles. Driving down the road, I am distracted by the shiny trucks passing me. What must it be like to ride in a brand-new truck? My 2003 Ford F-150 is nice, but it is starting to show its age. Avila and I would be so much happier if we had a bright new truck to ride around in.
What happened? When did this focus on the new and next start robbing me of my ability to enjoy the now?
The Ultimate Destination Addiction
As people of faith, we need to be especially careful. We talk about living in the now, yet much of our language reveals a hint of destination addiction.
It is easy for us to become distraught by the struggles of this world and focus on what will be.
In moments like this, our hearts cry, “I can not wait for heaven.”
Talk about the ultimate destination addiction.
Our challenge is to live with confidence (faith) in the future while fully present and focused on the now.
When Jesus taught us to pray (The Lord’s Prayer), he encouraged us to ask for the things of heaven to be unleashed here upon earth.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
How you and I live and move in relationship with each other has a lot to do with whether that prayer will ever be fulfilled.
Learning to move with love and grace towards each other is the beginning of God’s will being ushered in here on earth.
May we all grow to live with love in the moment.
Spirit, grant us the strength to stop looking over the next horizon and see those standing around us in the now. Help us hear their voice and learn about their journey.
May we find peace amidst the struggles and confidence to move boldly into our tomorrow.
Dr. Robert Holden did a Ted Talk on Destination Addiction that is worth watching.
Tuesday Night Reflections
On the second and fourth Tuesday nights, I host Tuesday Night Reflections. My meditation this past week was about destination addiction.
Learn more about Tuesday Night Reflections and find out how you can join in.
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