It was a pretty easy drive so far and we were making good time. It was just Briya and me again as Nya had reached her limit of family time, accommodating me a couple of weeks earlier with our trip to Grandfather Mountain. And at the last minute Cameron bailed on this getaway in lieu of catching up with friends or maybe in lieu of not being stuck on a mountain with his mom and his younger sister. Anyway, this would be good, so we drove falling into our same pattern: music, intense monologue, brief discussion, audiobook, a few interesting comments, me yelling “look at that,” a glance of disinterest, music, repeat. A friend had booked me a few days at her family’s condo and we were just a few miles from our destination at Beech Mountain. (Thank God for my friends!) By the time we got to the base of the mountain, it was raining a little and the sun had already set, so it was dark. Really dark. We were only a few miles away and would be there in no time. Then the fog set in greatly limiting our visibility. We couldn’t even see the front hood of the car. So here I was headed up an unfamiliar mountain driving around curves that were really like u-turns in the middle of the road. At about the third sharp turn, Briya reached over and paused the Lord of the Rings, just as Gandolf was explaining to Frodo his suspicions about the ring that he had been carrying in his pocket for the last few years. I suppose she thought that I didn’t need to be distracted. She questioned, “How can you see?” I replied, “I can’t, just following my lines.” She followed, “You can pull over.” I said, “I can’t. Nowhere to go.” We kept going and truthfully, those 5 miles seemed like 50 and my idea that we would be there in no time was not quite accurate. Though we were close, it felt hard getting there — dark, rain, fog, unfamiliar road, steep climb, WINDING curves. The good news is that we arrived at our destination feeling some satisfaction and a lot of relief!
And you know me well enough by now to know that I thought to myself… aren’t our lives just like this sometimes? We’re often headed to a destination that we’ve never even been and not sure what we will encounter on our way. And while much of the drive may be routine and we’re making good progress, inevitably just as we may be getting close, it may get dark, rain may fall, and fog may set in as we try to maneuver unfamiliar territory that has some sharp turns. So what should we do? Don’t panic, focus and keep driving. I will leave it to you to think about what can happen when you panic while driving on the mountain! Let’s just say that the same crash is possible when you panic in your life. Focus. I focused on the lines because I couldn’t see ANYTHING in front of me and in our lives we must focus Jesus. He must be our constant guideline when we can’t see anything or anyone else… Keep Driving. There are times where stopping in the middle of the road, pulling over, or going backwards just aren’t viable options so Keep Driving even if a little slower, keep driving. Remember, we’re headed to a destination and with our focus on Jesus, He will get us there!
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. Psalms 119:105 CSB
Ah! Plodding, moving ahead, always. The goal – just ahead. And just ahead of our limits! Love it. You are a great writer. Rich. Pure. And sweet. Like good Blue Mountain coffee. More to come?
Thanks Dr. Pat! Just ahead of our limits. Amen. And I could use some Blue Mountain coffee this morning!
Thank God for GRACE and MERCY! Thanks for sharing! Very ENCOURAGING!!!! KEEP DRIVING…..STAY FOCUS ON JESUS TO GET US TO OUR DESTINATION!!!!!!
Amen Addie!
I know that the kind of driving you experienced can get a little scary, BUT GOD ‼️
Yes Pastor Stan. But God!
Thank God for being a lamp on our feet and a light on the path that leads and guide us. Pray God will continue to bless and protect you in your travels and as you share His word with us.
Amen Sister Helen and thanks for your prayers.
“There are times where stopping in the middle of the road, pulling over, or going backwards just aren’t viable options so Keep Driving even if a little slower, keep driving. Remember, we’re headed to a destination and with our focus on Jesus, He will get us there!” Such a great and timely reminder Tara! Thank you for capturing this moment so vividly in your writing and encouraging us to keep our eyes on Jesus and as He is our guiding line in the fog.
Thanks Pannan. We definitely need a guiding line in the fog of our lives!
Such a wonderful inspirational message for me today. When I think about the many road trips we have taken over the years, most times in good weather but the few times we’ve run into rain, fog, I have been tempted to stop but instead, lowered my speed, prayed for safe travel and yes, put my eyes om the road. Once arriving, I then put my eyes on Jesus, thanking Him for safe travel. Your writings are always inspiring as it helps me put into focus that our guiding light is always Jesus.
Enjoy the beautiful escape…Wish I had friends like you.
Thanks for sharing Daphne. I know about all of your road trips so you get it! Thank Jesus he guides us. You know that you are one of my friends who has also given to me in this way so you were included in that “thank God for my friends”! God bless!
Beautiful photo. I had the privilege of vacationing in the mountains and it blessed me. The driving up and down the mountain was a challenge. Even a that, I wanted to get there more than the struggle and fustration of traffic or the many twists and turns of the road. Powerful message and reminder to trust in the Lord and keep our focus on things eternal. Enjoy!
That’s good Keisha. We should have a desire for the destination that makes it worth it to keep pushing through the twists and turns! Thanks for sharing.
This message blessed me today! Very encouraging Word. It reminds me of one of my familiar phrases – “Keep it Moving”! Blessings to you!
Thanks Tamaira! Keep it Moving is a great phrase!
This was truly inspiring and encouraging! Lord help me to “Keep in Driving!”
Lord help us all to Keep Driving! Thank you Ms. Ida.
Jesus, take the wheel and keep driving for me!