The American culture prizes productivity and outcomes. This can turn into the impatience of “I want to be there and not on the way there.” We as children expressed this perfectly on any vacation trip to such a point that it has become a standard often repeated in many circumstances, “Are we there yet?”

We want to be there and rewards and awards represent that. We hurry through today to get to tomorrow. Actors are often valued by the rewards they win, as are athletes. That is great, but also problematic. They were rarely, if ever, alone while doing that which earned them an award. They were part of a team, a group, or an engaged circumstance that developed, brought out, or highlighted their ability. I’m not indicating that all should get rewards. It is good to have the carrot dangled in front of someone. Motivation is important. However, those who did not win the award were no less valuable. We can’t discount all the movies, performances, and efforts or the gifts of people just because they didn’t get an award.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” (Arnold Schwarzenegger) He also said, “For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.” Accomplishment and products come at the end. Schwarzenegger indicates that it is the process which is the most valuable. The value of process is lowered when we put our eyes on the prize and forget today’s part in tomorrow’s outcome.

Our lives are built in relationship with family, friends, associates, work, service, circumstances . . . . We work to grow into the fullest version of ourselves we can become. The prize is the process. There is no reward and no end to an individual’s growth. Each person has the opportunity to develop their lives until the last breath they breathe. There is joy in living and growing that does not need to be put off for some kind of product or outcome. Every day, even the worst ones, can become a source of joy.

Jesus provides both relationship and purpose. The relationship provides us with a hope and life-filled circumstance right for growing. The purpose gives us the values for growing and the vision for growth that gives a constant influence of joy and direction in the process. In relationship with Jesus and His purpose, the outcome is known so an individual is freed to live in the joy of today and freed from the tyranny of tomorrow.