Have you ever found yourself making a spur-of-the-moment decision that turned into a core memory? A couple of years back, a buddy and I decided on a whim to embark on a road trip from Omaha to Green Bay to see our Seattle Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers at the legendary Lambeau Field. Now, despite my disdain for the Packers, there’s no denying the history, heritage, and the undeniable allure of this iconic NFL stadium.

The day kicked off with a brutal 4 am wake-up call. We hit the road, determined to conquer the eight-hour journey to Green Bay. The drive unfolded without much excitement until we were mere minutes away from the stadium. That’s when the snowflakes decided to join the party. While we were eager for the game, the prospect of sitting in a snowstorm didn’t exactly scream “fun.” Adding to the thrill, I discovered that we still hadn’t secured tickets. Cue a pit stop at Walmart, where we hastily purchased waterproof gear and finally snagged our golden tickets to the game¹.

Approaching the stadium, the air was charged with excitement. The thrill skyrocketed when we realized our seats were covered, shielding us from the the snow. Throughout the game, the snow continued to cascade, glistening in the stadium lights, transforming the entire experience into something bordering on magical. Sure, the Seahawks didn’t get the win, and it marked the first game in Russell Wilson’s career without a touchdown. But hey, at least we witnessed Jamal Adams picking off Aaron Rodgers in the end zone!

As the clock hit zero, the game ended and we trudged back to the car for the long ride home. 25 hours after we set out, I finally collapsed into my bed.

Despite the loss, the entire experience was nothing short of incredible. I had the privilege of witnessing some of my favorite players battling it out in one of the most historic stadiums in existence. It’s an experience etched in my memory, one I’ll carry with me always. Reflecting on that adventure, a few key takeaways stand out.

The Journey is a Key Part of the Adventure

Spending 16 hours in a car for a 3.5-hour game might seem a bit over the top, but in that timeframe, we found ourselves wrapped up in countless conversations, bursts of laughter, and even stumbled upon some profound moments spurred by urgent restroom searches. The journey was an awesome collection of experiences, a collage of unexpected moments that added depth, value, and color to the overall adventure.

Life’s relentless pace often tricks us into focusing solely on our end goals. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) gently nudges us, “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” This bit of biblical wisdom encourages us to find meaning in the challenges along the way, understanding that they shape our endurance, character, and, ultimately, our hope for the future.

As we drove through new states, witnessed unfamiliar landscapes, and shared life with a friend, I realized the profound truth—the journey makes the destination worth it. Life is a series of moments strung together. It’s the incredible highs, deep lows, and everything in between. Appreciating the unexpected beauty in each step is key. So, let’s savor the detours, relish the process, and acknowledge that, in the end, it’s the journey that truly defines the adventure.

We can always find a win, even in our biggest losses

So, my team lost the game, and to add a bitter twist, my favorite player got shut out for the first time in his career. If I were to fixate solely on the scoreboard, I might be tempted to label the entire trip a colossal loss. But, truth be told, it wasn’t solely about who won or lost; it was about the entirety of the experience. Now, I can proudly say that I was there when the Seahawks played a snow game at Lambeau Field. For the football fan in me, that’s the real win, not what was glaring on the scoreboard².

Life often throws us curveballs, and it’s easy to get caught up in the disappointments, the losses, and the setbacks. But Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV), which says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This passage is not about Jesus helping us win a game. Rather, it encourages us to find contentment not just in the victories but also, if not especially, in the challenges. It’s a reminder that our perspective can turn what seems like a loss into a big win.

So, even in the face of defeat on the scoreboard, the real victory was in the experience itself. Life’s wins aren’t always reflected in the numbers; sometimes, they manifest in the memories, the unique moments, and the unexpected joys found along the way.

Every win comes at a cost

There were several moments on this journey that made me question if it was worth it. The alarm at 4 am had me asking myself, “Do I have the energy for this?” The prospect of an eight-hour drive each way forced me to wonder, if I had the patience. The fans, (you know, “those fans”) in the seats in front of us made me ask if I had the tolerance for their… energy. In life, every win, every pursuit, everything worth doing, comes with its own set of costs.

In those moments of doubt, I’m reminded of Luke 14:28 (NIV): “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” This verse encourages us to consider the cost before embarking on a journey or pursuing a goal. It’s a reminder that every endeavor, no matter how rewarding, comes with its own demands, and we must weigh the costs against the gains.

So, as the alarm persisted, and the long drive loomed ahead, I had to weigh the costs against the anticipated win. Was all of that worth the experience of witnessing my team play in the snow at Lambeau Field? The answer was a resounding yes. It’s a gentle reminder that while wins often come at a cost, the value of the experience, the memories made, and the lessons learned can far outweigh the challenges along the way.

Every pursuit, every win, and every adventure comes at a costs. It’s our ability to navigate those costs wisely that truly defines the journey.

As I look at life in general I notice that every spontaneous decision, every victory, and every adventure adds a unique melody to our personal soundtrack. The road trip to Lambeau was always more than a football game—it was a cherished memory, a testament to the unpredictable beauty found in life’s journeys. As we navigate the paths ahead, let’s remember that the journey itself is a collection of experiences, each step contributing to the masterpiece of our story.

Our life is a process through which we are daily being formed into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) shines light on this process, stating, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” This promise assures us that every twist, turn, victory, and challenge in our journey plays a part in the ongoing transformation into His image. So, whether we’re faced with the highs or lows, wins or losses, let’s embrace the adventure, savor the moments, and find joy in the unexpected. After all, it’s the journey that paints the canvas of our lives with vibrant strokes, creating a portrait of memories that will last a lifetime.

Has a split-second choice ever turned into a game-changing memory? What spontaneous decision became an unexpected highlight in your journey?”

Notes:

^1. TickPick for the win! Honestly, this was part of the plan, I just didn’t know we were waiting quite that long to buy them.

^2. Although, having the scoreboard tell me we won the actual game would have been a nice add to the overall experience.