Rest Areas

This last week we went over to the coast for the 4th of July - as I've mentioned before - it's tradition :) On the way there, is a big tunnel you not only drive through, but you also must honk your horn and scream the whole way through! When you see this tunnel, you know you are getting closer. In fact, you're only about 1 hour away. On the other side, is a rest area. Our intention was to go straight past the rest area, and keep heading to our destination. Plans changed, when the transmission on our Suburban decided to go out. So there we were, parked. What we hoped would be a quick trip, suddenly became much longer.

During our 4 1/2 hours at the rest area, Timothy, Anna, and I found a spot on the grass where we would "huddle up". We talked about keeping a good attitude, having patience, and how we had to keep focus on getting to the coast. I must say, I was very proud of both of them! Knowing that Emily and Christopher were already there, didn't discourage them at all.

Without going in to all the details of everything - things worked out. We got to where we were headed, and had a wonderful vacation :)

Thinking about this detour, I think about how many times in life we are headed in a certain direction, not intending to stop, and many times, unexpected events happen and we are forced to stop. I will call them the "rest areas" of life. Some rest areas are consequences of things we may have done, and some rest areas happen without any warning and not because of anything we have done.

I wish I could say in every detour of my life, I had a good attitude, was patient, and kept focus on the original destination. But I haven't...in fact most of the time, I do quite the opposite. I pray that I learn a lesson this week, from my children.

What keeps you rooted and grounded when disappointments, delays, or unexpected problems happen? What would happen if we always reacted to what we feel? I know if I always gave in to my emotions, my world would be torn apart. What about you? I believe you have to live principally. I also believe, you find those pricipals in the Word of God.

The Bible says that the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord. When we are stopped at the "rest areas" of life - do not fear - keep your eyes and heart focused on the Lord, and He will bring you to the original destination.