By: Betty Predmore
My family recently took a road trip from California to New York via Tennessee, with stops in Kentucky and Ohio. We covered quite a bit of miles in our mini van and spent some great “quality time” together seeing the beauty of God’s creation across this magnificent country. We went from deserts to mountains, flat plains to rolling hills. We saw forests and lakes, and even witnessed the majestic wonder of Niagara Falls.
I was my husband’s co-pilot on this grand adventure. It was my job to keep him supplied with water bottles, talk to him when he was sleepy, and read the signs along the way. I saw many brown road signs marking upcoming landmarks and historical sites. There were signs noting Civil War battle grounds, state parks, cave tours, and many other interesting sites. Who ever heard of the Bell Maede Plantation or Manker’s Station? How about Bucksnort and Horse Cave?
Being an “adventurous gal”, I would have loved to take each turn off to get a glimpse of each landmark. But of course we didn’t. We drove right on past them, intent on reaching our destination. All those historic sites that we will never experience.
Being a “pondering gal”, I got to thinking. Our lives are a lot like those road signs. There are so many unknown, unexperienced opportunities that we miss, blessings that the Lord has for us that we do not receive, opportunities for us to serve others that we lose, all because we are so intent on getting to our “destination” that we fail to “drive off the beaten path” to see what great adventures God has for us. He has great things in store for us. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. He gives us awesome opportunities to serve Him and serve others, and to receive the blessings of that sincere service. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for The Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from The Lord as a reward. It is The Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24. He has already prepared us for life’s grand adventure. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
Life should not be all about getting to our destination in a timely and most efficient manner. Life should be about taking the time to explore and experience God’s abundant blessings and the beauty and joy that comes from serving others. Don’t miss the signs. Don’t miss the rewards. Trust God to give you wondrous blessings and completeness through knowing and serving Him, even when He takes you down a road less traveled.
