As we travel

I often think about the old dirt road that passed my childhood home. Barefoot in the summer, we left many prints upon its limerock surface. If we were not walking the road or playing hopscotch, then our bicycles would be a tell-tale sign of which neighbor’s house we were visiting. The road was an open pathway to the adventures of our youth.
The weekends brought on a different style of travel as we loaded up in the back of Dad’s truck to explore the old roadways of home. There was always something new to experience when he finally shifted the gears to park. Often, he would take us on a hike, or we would play around the cool waters of a local spring and creek bed. A wicker basket was always filled with sandwiches and snacks to satisfy our appetites for the day.
As I grew older, those old dirt road experiences laid the foundation for my love of driving through the countryside. The excitement of new pathways and winding roads became an escape from the routines of daily life. Each excursion was an opportunity to discover something new – whether it was old homesteads or the beauty of the countryside, my soul felt content.
There is a found freedom in the driver’s seat, rambling down the back roads of home. Being behind the wheel reminds me of an easier time when faith and family were all one needed. It is an essential part of who I am. I am reminded that life is a series of journeys, each road with its lessons to be taught. Those lessons were easier learned when Dad was the navigator. Nonetheless, I have discovered that the roads we travel reflect the twists and turns of our lives, each telling a story of where we have been and where we dream of going.
Navigating life, I cannot help but see the parallel between one’s physical and spiritual journey. We had Dad lead us in the physical realm, but in the spiritual realm, we have the Heavenly Father guiding us to new paths. Our Lord offers us direction and wisdom throughout our lives on earth. There may be times when the road ahead is unclear, and the twists and turns are overwhelming, but as we lean into our faith, we discover the undeniable presence of God’s leading.
The Children of Israel understood God’s leading when they traveled toward the Land of Canaan. God was a pillar of clouds that kept them cool by day and a pillar of fire that warmed them at night. When it was time for Israel to rest, the cloud and the fire remained still. They grumbled and complained against Moses and God. Yet, through it all, God continued to guide His people toward the place of promise even when they could not see it (The Book of Exodus).
God continues to guide His children today toward His promised Kingdom. Our path may sometimes be uncertain, but His presence remains with us. When it feels like we have reached a dead end, have faith, for quite often, He has another way prepared for us – one that we might not have considered.
Let us remain open to God’s leading, trusting that each turn and detour to His care. Anchored in faith, we can embrace the ride, knowing that, like those childhood days dirt roads, the journey itself is as precious as the destination.

Psalm 119:104-105 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore, I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.