I'm sitting here in a "budget" motel in Billings, MT after 15 days in on a 6 month tour and I'm wondering how I even got to this place. Of course I know I got here in my overpacked 1994 Ford Ranger after driving 8 hours from Idaho but I'm asking myself like we all do, "How did I arrive at this place and time in my life?" This month I would like to address the subject that many touring musicians fail to think about while on the road and that is embracing the journey as the destination.
If we look back through the history of the Bible, traveling was a huge part of every story and major event that happened. It should be no surprise for us now that as we choose to extend our hearts outwardly through music that Christ would call us to travel. The one thing common to most Biblical events is that when true change or transformation occurred, it wasn't when people were comfortably at home but rather when they were heading some place God had called them. From the Israelites wandering for 40 years all the way up to Saul's conversion on the way to Damascus, God often chooses to meet us when we are far away from what we know and our comforts of home.
All too often we can become preoccupied with things that distract us from hearing God's voice and end up in the middle of our travels frustrated and bitter at petty things because we are no longer looking for God in our lives. We become consumed with load-in, sound check, money for bills, how many people were at the show and many other things that have absolutely no bearing on what we are doing out there. All the while neglecting the joy of what we originally set out to do. We give up the experience of the journey for the expectation of the destination.
So how do we keep our focus on God? It's simple. Have some personal time with Him everyday. I'm not talking about devotions or worship or even dedicated prayer time, I'm talking about personal time. The worst thing we can do is fall in to a dull ritual based routine that is constantly filled with outward acts. We need to take that time to be still and let God speak to us. Thankfully there just so happens to be that opportunity everyday when we are driving. The ever popular, abundant, never ceasing, boring, monotonous, driving. However, when approached with a heart that desires personal growth and change, this once boring and monotonous time can become a much needed emotional and spiritual inventory and refinement process. It can be used to reset our heart from "What's going to happen tonight at the show?" back to "What is God speaking to me in my life right now?"
Wherever you are at in your current touring year I would like to encourage you to ask God daily "Why did I arrive at this place and time in my life and what would you have me do today?" It is that mindset that will save you from burnout, refresh your heart and possibly help you to take time and smell the roses, instead of the week old socks in the back of the van.
Chris Nelson
Ryfo Board Member
www.fienix.com
