Then [Jesus] said, “How can I picture God’s kingdom for you? What kind of story can I use? It’s like a pine nut that a man plants in his front yard. It grows into a huge pine tree with thick branches, and eagles build nests in it.” Luke 13:18-19 (MSG)

When I read these words of Jesus, it reminded me of the message we heard in worship yesterday. In a world in which “instant” this and “convenient” that is marketed to us incessantly, I find it easy to want my spiritual maturity to be a simple recipe:

I’m reminded this morning that God’s kingdom is not about a moment, but an eternity. It is not a destination but a journey. I look back and see how far I’ve come, but then I look to the horizon and see how far I have to go.

So I begin another hour of another day within another week in another year of the journey. God, have your way in me as I press on.