01/01/2021
Well, here we go again...
Last year our journey started out pretty well, per usual for most, then suddenly we found ourselves facing speed bumps, potholes, downed trees, downed power lines, forks in the road and a few dead-ends.
For some of us, our vehicles have endured flat tires, dinged doors, a blown head gasket, maybe the need for a tune up, or even perhaps an entire overhaul...
But, at the end of the day we made it through to the other side.
Today we start another leg of the journey.
We may not know what the journey that lay before us has in-store,
But we know at least this...
The last leg has reminded us, or maybe taught us, some valuable lessons...
1. We have learned that, inspite of what we may have thought, or what we may have been taught, we are all in fact all-terrain vehicles.
We have been designed in different models, with varying interiors, some of us are sports models, some classics, some have had upgrades and some of us may be held together with a little DuctTape...
But, the production line in fact ONLY makes all-terraine vehicles. And we can in fact face any road before us.
2. We have learned, or maybe just been reminded, to look for street signs along the way.
As with any road, when the terrain changes, look up, there will be a sign warning of the dangers, and giving direction as to how to proceed.
We may need high beams or snowchains, we may need to proceed with caution, slow down, or we may even need to turn around, but we can rest assured knowing that the directions are always there, telling us how to proceed.
3. We have learned (or been reminded) that our vehicles are equipped with a navigation system.
Our awesome creator knew that the roads would be tough and that fog may get thick, the road bumpy and the path hard to see...
But, to ensure success, he installed a navigation system into all of us.
Some of us may call it the Light of Christ, some may just refer to it as their own personal Jimmy Cricket, but whatever you call it, know that it is there.
Always there, ready to lead and guide along the way, every mile along the stretch of the road.
But like all navigation systems, it needs to be turned on and the volume needs to be turned up in order for it to assist in the journey.
Don't forget to turn it on, and more importantly, don't forget to follow it's instruction.
If it says go right, and you turn left...
You can expect a bumpy road.
But, luckily for us all, just like any other navigation system, when we do make a wrong turn, the system will be sure to say...
"Recaculating destination", it is up to us to listen, and to make the adjustments.
4. We have been reminded that we need to care for our vehicles in order to be able to continue on the journey.
Don't forget, without routine maintenance, we won't be able to continue driving...
Get your tune-ups and your oil changes, some new spark plugs occasionally, and don't forget replace your headlights and brake lights when needed (remember some things are very fragile, don't tough the glass, some things need to remain pure from outside sources).
Don't forget to rest for a while when you get overheated, or to stop for fuel every handful of miles.
Even all-terrain vehicles need to be cared for.
..
But know this...
If we care for our vehicles, watch for warning signs and listen for direction from our navigation system,
We will get through this next leg, and any and all legs that will follow.
We can arrive at our final destination, and we can get there on time and in relatively good condition.
If we take the time to breath along the way, and look up occasionally to confirm we are still headed in the right direction.
We can and will progress along the road.
..
Remember don't look for the end of the road, it's still over the hill or around the turn and can't been seen. Take the journey one mile marker at a time and focus of the road ahead.
We have a rear view mirror, but that is only to check occasionally how far we've come... keep yours eyes on the road ahead, we can't move forward if we're focused on our rear view mirror.
And remember always...
This is a caravan, not a solo flight.
We were NEVER meant to travel alone. Take caution and know that not everyone is headed in the direction of YOUR final destination, but if you pay attention, you will be able to spot your fellow journeymen.
Once you find them, stay close and travel together.
There is safety and security in numbers.
Safe travels everyone!
Hugs
