This week has been extraordinary. The perfect kind of fall weather that steals your breath away. Koski and I have walked through crunchy leaves, misty mornings and golden afternoons.

I started walking a few years ago because I knew I needed to do something to improve my health. When I started, I would walk once a week with a friend for about 40 minutes. Then I would have to sit down for a good half hour to regain my breath. I was obese and seriously sedentary. But I had made a promise to my doctor that I would give Weight Watchers a try…and a promise to myself that I would strive towards better health.

When I started Weight Watchers I didn’t want to exercise. But the weight started to come off, and I found motivation to move more. Slowly, I began to increase my physical activity. Now, about 2.5 years later, I walk at least 60 minutes 6 days a week and I regularly manage 90 minutes in a day. I go to the gym 3-5 times a week, and I (can’t believe I’m going to say this) enjoy exercising. It took time, a whole lotta patience and a whole lotta discipline. I am still working towards my goal weight, there have been ups and downs along the way, but my whole life has changed.

And I press on towards my goal, each new day.

The journey of faith is just like my journey to a healthier life. It starts quietly in most of us. There are many factors that contribute to our growth. Sometimes it seems we are not going anywhere at all, and then we look back and realize just how far we have come.

Paul encourages the church in Phillipi with his own testimony about pressing on toward the end of the race, and the prize that waits there. May you, too, find these words encouraging. Whatever trials you face at this point in your journey, take a moment to realize how far you have come. And then press on toward the goal, for a heavenly prize awaits you.

May you find time to take joy in the journey this weekend. To my Canadian friends, I wish a very Happy Thanksgiving. To my American friends, Happy Columbus Day. And to those abroad – many blessings and joys.