The other day I felt like I had reached a breaking point at work. I had to reluctantly move my vehicle out of the way for someone and decided it was time to just go for a drive. It was almost lunchtime so I grabbed my keys, picked up some grub and headed out to the back roads…
My initial intention was to find a quiet place and stop for a few minutes, but all I could do was drive. As I hit the unknown curves and reflected on some of the frustrations, God started to speak to me…
He said, “A short drive down a long road.” I relaxed in my seat a little bit as I munched on my french fries and started to think about that quote for a few minutes. All of the windows were down and the wind was swirling around me. “A short drive down a long road?”
I realized that God was giving me a message to calm down and think about the big picture in life. He was showing me that there will always be days where we will be frustrated, over tired, over worked or just plain tired of dealing with things. But that it is important to think about and remember the blessings in life at these moments. We are all traveling on a long road and each day is a short drive on that road. (TWEET THAT)
As you travel down your road, here are some quick tips for your short trips.
Have A Broad Perspective – When was the last time you thought about all of the good things or the blessings in your life? It is vitally important to remember these things, because they will keep you going through the hard times. Take it a step further and start a small journal or list of things or people you are grateful for in life. And when things seem to really be heading down a curvy road, just pray. It took a short, curvy road for God to get my attention. What will it take for Him to get yours?
Don’t Lose Hope – I like to reference Jeremiah 29:11 for the topic of Hope. It reads, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” If you need some help mapping out your daily drive, keep this verse handy on your calendar or on a note visible somewhere. You never know what God has planned for you around the next curve…
Continue To Travel Your Road – In other words, don’t give up! There have been many people that have traveled the same road you are on right now and can offer some great direction to you. Watch for the signs! Most good roads will have well placed and very visible signage, but back roads may not be so nice so watch yourself closely and get some help from friends or family so you don’t make a wrong turn. Remember, God put you on your road for a reason and will never give you a turn or road you can’t handle.
By the end of my drive, I was glancing at photos of my wife and son. God took me down a short road that day and showed me what to be thankful for again.
What are some of the short, bumpy or curvy roads that God has put you on in the past and what did you learn from them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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