Many Roads

It’s a long drive to Lafayette, Indiana – more than 12 hours. When we make that trip to visit family, we usually stop overnight on the way there, but attempt to drive straight through to home on the return trip. (It seems longer when you drive the entire way in one day!) The trip this summer was planned to coincide with my mother-in-law’s 97^th birthday with a family gathering to celebrate. It was a joyous occasion.

The week passed quickly and as we departed for home, I reflected upon the long road ahead and wondered how far we might be able to go that day. Good traveling weather and less traffic than anticipated provided incentives to keep on going. We stopped frequently for breaks and gas, and the miles tumbled on, with a GPS reminder of estimated time of arrival if we kept going. What motivation!

When we passed the “Welcome to Virginia” sign, a new surge of energy came for this driver! We weren’t that far from home! So we kept going, envisioning how comforting it would be to be home safely and to sleep in our own bed. We got home before dark without delays. We were thankful once again for a safe journey and the joy of being with family for another brief time.

Through this journey called life, we have many roads to travel. Sometimes looking at the big picture of what we seek to accomplish becomes overwhelming. It helps to recognize though, that this journey is best accomplished by focusing on “one mile at a time.” It's important to take rest stops along the way in order to reflect on where you are and what you have already accomplished. It also helps to stay focused on your destination. God helps us through faith for whatever roads lie ahead – one day or mile at a time.