Traveling with God
As I prepared for my trip to Indiana I found myself full of anxiety and questioned if I should even go. Things that I was struggling with caused me rethink multiple times whether this trip was actually worth going on or not. While in the end I decided to go I definitely prayed for the trip to be as smooth as possible and one of my biggest pet peeves is being stuck in traffic. As a ventured out from my home in North Carolina when I got on the road I realized traffic was incredibly light and would stay that way the entire trip.
The trip started off much like any of my other trips, long before the sun rises. I left about 45 minutes later then I wanted, but all things happen for a reason, so I didn’t stress leaving late. I had a long farewell with my puppy Cooper. He doesn’t fair well when myself and Riley are gone. I got into the car, said my goodbyes and drove off. The fog was thick and heavy. Not thick enough to slow me down, but still, with the threat of dear, any fog is a potential nightmare.
The drive was nice so early in the morning. I remember looking at the clock and waiting for the heavier traffic to pick up. As I started out of North Carolina I was amazed I didn’t hit traffic at all. I waited and waited, but it never came. I filled up the first time in West Virginia much to my chagrin. I’ve been in scary positions in West Virginia so I don’t generally like to stop. This time however wasn’t bad at all. It was nice. I made a few extra stop before the sun came up on the account I hadn’t gotten much sleep before leaving.
Traveling in the mountains wasn’t difficult at all. I got a little rain in some parts, and there was some fog, but again nothing that slowed me down much. In fact traffic in the mountains was so clear I was able to maintain 45 miles per gallon coming back down. I estimated 3 stops for fuel, but with that kind of MPG I would only need to stop twice which is obviously amazing. The rest of the trip would be beautiful sunny weather, beautiful temperatures, and my co pilot loved it. She kept her head out of the window for much of the drive. With no cars on the road, the windows down, sun shining, it was like the road was clear for just me. I was able to get a ton of pictures of the beautiful scenery along my travels.
It wasn’t until I hit Indiana that the traffic started, along with construction ever 10 miles, and backup traffic, but don’t forget the clouds, the rain and the cold weather. When my trip started it was about 85* and 100% humidity, dropping to 60* and 90% humidity. It was strange how once I hit the Indiana border the trip changed. Almost ominous, but here I am day two. I was able to do my banking, I was able to see my adopted brother, and I was able to get a decent deal on a really cheap motel. The motel is NOTHING to write home about, but it’s cheap, it’s in a good location, and Riley doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, she let me sleep in.
I know God was with me the whole trip and always. Psalm 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” It doesn’t matter where we travel, if we travel with the Lord in your heart He will always be there. Psalm 139:9-10 “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” We may not ever have a plan just a direction. If we trust in the Lord and we travel with our heart the Lord will watch over us. Psalm 139:9-10 “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”
When you travel out your door travel with the knowledge that Christ Jesus is with you. Know that anywhere you go is an opportunity to witness and spread the word of the Gospel. Use what you have to preach and teach. Find a way, find a way to give hope to those who have none. We never know the impact we may have, and even on a leisure trip, you can use the time and the place to impact the world around you. Have faith in God, and you will see your opening to make a difference. Trust in the Lord always, and your path will be made clear.