OCTOBER 21, 2026

 “The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” 

― William Shakespeare, As You Like It

JEREMIAH 5-6

16This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;

ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,

and you will find rest for your souls. (6:16)

1 TIMOTHY 1

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

JOURNAL 

As I sit here on our final day at Disney, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible trip this has been and how blessed I am to have the opportunity to experience these moments with my family. What amazes me, though, is how easily I tend to drift away from Scripture and my daily devotions when I am on vacation. You would think that being removed from the routines and responsibilities of everyday life would create an even greater opportunity to connect with God, to recognize His presence in the beauty around me, and to be grateful for the countless blessings He has given me. Yet somehow, in the midst of enjoying those blessings, I can lose sight of the One who provides them.

Over the last couple of days, I have been fighting off a little virus, and this morning I am feeling much better. Even that is an incredible reminder of the miracle of these bodies God has given us. Without any conscious effort on my part, my body has been working to identify an infection, fight it off, and restore itself. What an extraordinary gift that we so often take for granted. Even while feeling a little under the weather, I have been able to walk, laugh, experience new things, and enjoy time with the people I love. There is something remarkable about recognizing that God has designed our bodies not simply to survive, but to heal, recover, and allow us to continue experiencing the miracle of life.

I love the humility of Paul and his recognition that everything he had become was the result of God's mercy and grace. Despite losing his position in society and facing constant threats to his life, he never lost sight of what mattered most. He understood that the ultimate destination was not found in the circumstances of his life but in his relationship with Christ. That is the ancient path Jeremiah speaks of, the path that leads to rest for our souls. It is not necessarily the easiest path, but it is the one that leads us back to God.

I think one of the great weaknesses of human nature is our tendency to seek the path of least resistance. We naturally gravitate toward comfort, convenience, and whatever seems easiest in the moment. I have come to recognize that so many of my choices can be reduced to two responses: engaging or withdrawing. Too often, I am tempted to withdraw from the very things that require the most of me, while readily engaging in the things that offer immediate comfort or pleasure. Even my tendency to neglect my devotions while on vacation is a small example of this. It is easier to become absorbed in the experiences of the day than to intentionally make time to connect with the God who has made those experiences possible.

I am reminded of the Seinfeld episode where George Costanza decides to do the opposite of everything his instincts tell him to do. While life certainly isn't that simple, there is some wisdom in recognizing that my immediate inclinations are not always leading me in the direction I truly want to go. Sometimes the very thing I am most tempted to avoid is exactly what I need to embrace. The ancient path requires intention, discipline, and a willingness to surrender my own understanding in favor of God's wisdom.

But I am also reminded that walking with God is not simply about choosing the harder path. It is about choosing His path. Sometimes that means working harder, sometimes it means resting, and sometimes it means simply being present enough to recognize the blessings already surrounding me. Perhaps that is the lesson I need most today. I don't have to accomplish something extraordinary to make this final day meaningful. I simply need to be fully present, grateful, and open to God's presence in every moment.

We have one more day here, and I want to make the most of it. Not by trying to squeeze every possible experience into the hours remaining, but by appreciating the gift of the hours themselves. The laughter, the conversations, the sights and sounds, the people I love, and even the remarkable ability of my body to recover are all reminders of God's goodness. I don't want to become so consumed with experiencing life that I forget to recognize the One who gives it.

Father, thank You for this incredible trip, for my family, for my health, and for the countless blessings I so often overlook. Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word and the patience of Your grace. Help me to recognize that Your presence is not something I need to return to when vacation ends. You are here with me now, in every moment and every experience. Help me walk the ancient path today, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. Let me be fully present for this final day, free from the need to control the outcome and content in the miracle of simply being here. What a gift it is to be alive, to love, to be loved, and to experience another day in Your creation.. 

 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

GALATIANS 2:20