Driving to work I saw a road sign that said “side road closed”. I drive a two lane back road to work sometimes, so my first thought was “why do they have this sign here as there are no side roads that I have seen in the 8 years I’ve traveled this road.” Driving home I saw the road crew finally out doing work on the side road I didn’t know was there.
I thought about spiritual side roads and exits in life. A side road in life is when I get on a completely different road, essentially doing my own thing. An exit is temporary, I do my own thing for a little bit then quickly realize what I am doing isn’t working and get back on God’s plan for my life.
On my drive I was so encouraged because I did not know the side road was there because I focused on the path in front of me. My life goes so much better when I am on the Lord’s road focusing on what He has for me.
When I was finishing my bachelor’s degree I would drive from Muskogee, OK, to Tahlequah, OK. I would leave often by 5:45 a.m., when it was still dark. I wanted to arrive at the student center early, so I could play Spades with some other commuter friends. It was only a twenty-five to thirty minute drive and along the way I passed three white farm houses. Being young and newly married, many nights I would study as late as 2:00 a.m., jump up early to my alarm and blaze to Tahlequah! While I didn’t shut my eyes, at least once a week for most of two years, I would drive into town surprised because I did not remember seeing the three white farm houses along the way. Yes, I am grateful that I never had an accident, even then Christ was looking after me. I generally carried 17 to 18 credit hours of class often making the Dean’s or President’s honor roll. I even attended summer school in an effort to finish my degree. My husband worked rotating shift work as a laborer in a factory. I did my best to keep up with the apartment, laundry, dishes, and of course studying. It was a challenging time and the marriage did not survive. Today I recognize that the Lord’s plan for my life was being accomplished even though I took some “side roads” along the way. Knowing that He holds me in His tender, kind, loving hands everyday, no matter the direction I am taking, comforts me and helps me focus on the road of life without missing the white farm houses along the way.
Thank you Ms. Janis for your comment. It is so cool how in different ways we can feel guided by God and have no idea how we got from point A to B, “but God”.