When I go on a trip with Sheree to visit our son Joel and his wife Mary, I like to drive the shortest route in the fastest time. That way, on the return trip, I can see if the speed and distance record can be broken. Sheree is not “wired up” this way. For her, the journey is just as important as the destination. This was hard for me to get used to, but in time, I’ve learned to appreciate some things about our journey and my wife.
Sheree has this habit of, after driving for several hours, wanting to take a “deliberate detour” off the main highway, or, as I would call it, going the “wrong way on purpose”. At first, I hate it! The blood pressure elevates and borderline cardiac arrest sets in. However, after ten minutes of going the “wrong way on purpose”, I discover things like a mom-and-pop restaurant where the entire family, kids and all, “pitch in” and the food is fantastic! Or, I discover the greatest display of wildflowers along the road which gives me ideas on landscaping the yard. The most memorable events occur when I see Sheree’s face light up with each new discovery we make going the “wrong way on purpose”. I’ve learned things about her and myself during these times. I guess I just need to trust her judgment a wee bit more when she says “John, let’s get off the road here.”
God has a way of doing that with us as well. We make all these plans and want to accomplish “X” amount of things in the shortest amount of time, but God says, “Let’s take a detour...let’s go the “wrong way on purpose”. If you’re like me, you won’t like it at first. However, I have to tell you - it is on these trips that I’ve learned the most about myself and the heart of God. Going the “wrong way on purpose” still takes some getting used to, but I’m finding it easier to trust.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
