12
christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 4
“Are we there yet?”
“Are we there yet?” This notorious backseat
refrain is not kid stuff. The popular whine has
morphed into a pervasive pursuit of rapid results,
express service, and fast-tracks to desirable
destinations. Encountering long travel delays?
A tap into technology will generate an instant
shortcut. Anticipate “down time” on the road,
riding the rails or in the air? “Smart” devices give
savvy travelers the means to distract themselves
for the duration of the excursion. Multitasking,
whether on the go or when sitting, still reflects
the identical back-seat unrest embedded in that
infamous childhood chant.
An essential strategy in our culture is to
minimize any obligatory pause between here
and there, now and then, start and finish.
Unacceptable gaps, detours or delays are to be
filled with virtual or readily available activi-
ties of our own choosing. Technology enables
us to transcend undesirable and unfulfilling
circumstances. There is no necessity to dwell in
a dull or dreary moment. There is ample means
to be amused anywhere, anytime. This
is
the
contemporary dilemma… and it is a formidable
roadblock to comprehend discipleship. Imitating
Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our
faith (Hebrews 12:1); hearing the whisper of the
Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27); and becoming a
child who honors God the Father is no speedy or
hassle-free journey (Galatians 4:6-7). Drawing
upon the transformative language of Celebrate
Recovery (celebraterecovery.com), ministry care
groups offer fellowship, direction and account-
ability to overcome “hurts, habits and hang-ups”
that hamper spiritual maturation. Care group
leaders perceive this glaring spiritual journey
pitfall:
disciples wander and grow weary on the
trek between the now and the not yet.
A trek, by definition, is an adventure
exacting personal challenge.
1
American pioneers
launched treks to press onward by ox cart into
arduous territory where there were no trails. To
“trek” conveys entering rugged terrain that defies
passage. Trekking involves the journey itself
and the personal effort exerted in making new
discoveries along the way. Effective care group
leaders guide participants toward the ultimate
destination of
shalom
(peace/wholeness) and
abundant life (John 10:10). There is a vision that
each trekker’s spiritual journey is essential to
shape godliness, produce perseverance, stabilize
