Lessons from the Road

Three weeks ago, my wife, my youngest daughter, and I loaded up two vehicles and rolled out of Perry at 4:00 AM, headed west. Our daughter recently graduated from UGA (Go Dawgs!) and wants to pursue her graduate work at Colorado State University, so we helped her move. Ten days, 3820 miles, 13 states, six hotels, a few arguments and countless corn fields later, we are back home and safe. Needless to say, it was an incredibly long drive.  

After spending so much time on the road, I was reminded of a few things I thought I might share with you. A couple of lessons hit home that may also be beneficial for you to consider. 

First, and forgive me for the grossness of this observation, but if you want to spend 30 minutes sitting in your bathroom at your home, mindlessly scrolling videos on your phone … by all means, have at it. Just don’t do that in a public restroom, for goodness sake. It’s gross, and it’s selfish. Just don’t. There are others that need that space! 

Secondly, if you don’t want to drive as fast as the car behind you, please, please … for the love of all that is holy, get out of the left lane. I am a preacher and a Christian, but I still have a fallen flesh that thinks and says things it shouldn’t when these knuckleheads cause unnecessary backups because of their blinding bone-headedness. In fact, I got so upset so many times on this trip … when we got home, I had to get on the altar and repent before I could get in the pulpit and preach. Seriously, do the world a favor, take notice of the long line of cars behind you, and get out, and stay out of the left lane!

But then, to add a little theology to this article, rather than just me griping about my personal pet peeves … throughout our journey, we were keenly aware of the prayers of the saints. We knew there were many folks praying for us, and God heard their prayers. I am not one of those Christians who tries to spiritualize our emotions or feelings, and I certainly don’t believe in folks sending “good vibes,” whatever that is. But it was clear to us that many of God’s children were praying for us while we were on the road. The cars ran great, we had very little traffic, we got our daughter settled into her new apartment, and we made it all the way there and back safely. God answers prayer.  

But the primary lesson that God drove home to me while we were driving was this: God takes good care of His children, and His children can trust Him. Let me explain how God used this trip to re-teach me this lesson. 

As we were planning for our journey and while we logged mile after mile, something became quite clear to me … my daughter wasn’t worried about a thing. It’s not like she was oblivious to the potential problems of a trip that long. Or so filled with excitement she wasn’t thinking clearly. No, she just wasn’t worried. However, I was. I was concerned whether we’d hit major traffic, whether the cars might break down or have a flat tire … or that we would get stuck in the middle of nowhere without cell service, or if we’d run out of money. But not our daughter. She was, as they say, cool as a cucumber. Sure, she was (and still is) excited and slightly anxious about starting this new life in this new place. But as far as the trip itself, she wasn’t nervous at all. 

Why, you might ask? Why wasn’t she worried about things? Because she knew her mom and dad were going to be right there with her every step of the way. Or, if I may … she knew her daddy would take good care of her. Not that mom wouldn’t; I’m not implying otherwise. But you dads of daughters know you will do all you can to ensure your girls are taken care of. 

And therein lies the lesson … if our kids can trust us to protect and provide for them, shouldn’t we Christians trust that our Heavenly Father is going to take good care of us?!  He is right there beside us every step, day, and mile. I’m not suggesting we won’t have some difficulties along the road of life; of course we will. But here is the good news, child of God: you do not have to face them alone. Our loving Lord has promised never to leave or forsake us throughout this journey, regardless of where life leads us. He will always be right by your side. Further still, God has endless resources to provide for your every need. He loves His children far more than we love our own, and that is saying something!  

So, let me summarize: Do your business and get out of the bathroom. If you’re a slowpoke, stay out of the left lane. Thank God for praying saints and answered prayer. Then, finally, if you are truly a born-again believer, you can trust that your Heavenly Father is going to look after you every single mile of your life and make certain you arrive safely at your eternal home!