July 1 - Then, or Now?

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."~ Robert Byrne (http://www.quotequarden.com/life.html)
I think that at some point in life every person will have to come to the realization that the quality of a journey isn't always in it's destination, but rather in the journey itself. Life isn't so much about finding answers to our questions, but rather the process of asking those questions. Have you ever noticed that in reading a good book, you know, one that is pretty intense, you get to the end, and the whole way you've been waiting for the end to see how it turns out, but when you get there, you don't want it to end? The quality of that book wasn't in the conclusion of the plot, but rather in the telling of the story.
As far as this quote goes, I believe the purpose of every believer is to live in a way that brings glory to God. But this doesn't happen at some climactic point in the future; it happens every day, every hour. Living purposefully, seeking to honor God with every action, word, thought pattern, and motive, is accomplishing life's purpose, to bring glory to God.
Back in the old youth group days, I remember going to youth conferences, youth camps, etc., where we would become so excited and fired up for God. We would awesome worship service after awesome worship service; we would be ready to go home and change our schools, churches, and communities, only to have that passion die out upon our return. It took me a few years to figure out that those mountain top experiences, while fantastic, are not where it happens. Growth can only happen in the valleys. Fruit can only be produced in the valleys. It's about the journey, not the destination.
To bring it home, I think a lot of Christians in America today live like, "Hey, I'm getting into heaven, that's all I need to worry about." However, Christianity is about living Christ-like, day by day. Just doing enough to "get by" on isn't enough. We're called to love God and love others, and this love requires a daily commitment. Are we willing to live purposefully, for the journey itself, and not just the destination?