Shortcuts

Traffic is always crazy around here during the holidays, so I’m not sure why my wife sent me out to pick up a few things two days before Christmas while she stayed at home. I must have done something horribly wrong to be subjected to that type of insanity. After fulfilling my husbandly duties, I carefully planned out my route back home. Although there were several options, I chose the shortcut but the shortcut turned out to be a big mistake. Cars were backed up and people were NOT spreading Christmas cheer. While waiting in this line of cars I came to the conclusion that shortcuts are rarely worth it.

Shortcuts are my attempt to find the quickest path with the least resistance, which will ultimately help me arrive at a destination before or alongside everyone else. The problem with taking the fast track is that a person often misses valuable wisdom which is only gained through time and trials. In my opinion, faithfulness and endurance are more desirable than timing and placement.

There are no real shortcuts to parenting, friendships, marriages, church growth, business success, godliness, health, financial freedom, or whatever else you can insert here. Shortcuts are only an attempt to minimize the work between a dream and a destination. “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time” (Galatians 6:9).