Where Can a Detour Take You?
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Most of us find detours to be an annoying inconvenience. They snag time out of our schedule and take us out of our way. A surprise detour literally causes anxiety to bubble up in our self-controlled mind. We tend to like things the same way, same road, same routine and same scenery. Change is just something we do not like.
Be aware! Detours are not just for temporary transportation issues. Our choices can take us on a by-pass as well. One moment we are headed down this safe, familiar well-lit path and then something grabs our attention. We are intrigued by the sound of some beautiful music, the tantalizing aroma of scrumptious food or that brand new sports car in the lot…and we take a detour.
Are all detours bad? Absolutely not! I truly believe that God can put alternate routes in our way to show us some important lessons. He wants our attention. So often we get hap-hazard as we mosey on down the road. He snaps us back to reality that says change is inevitable. Enjoy it!
Imagine this: For years you have passed this little road but today you don’t have to be anywhere special. Turning in, you find yourself slowly driving down a narrow dirt road that is barely two lanes. The windows are down. The scent of nature is fresh. You are curious. Rounding a bend, you see some wild turkeys on the road. They could care less that you are there, and they trot on across into the woods. Off to the other side, there is motion. There are deer running in the clearing. Wow, how beautiful!
Just a little further and there is a pull off or turn around spot. A little path into the woods – a detour from a detour. You mind goes crazy with anticipation! “Jesus, should I do this?” A peace fills your being, and you step forward, not knowing where this path will lead.
Birds sing above as they watch you cautiously and quietly make your way along this woodsy trail. Bugs are bad. The trees are thinning but then you see it. Beauty beyond words! You never would have found this place if you had not taken a side trip. The view is breathtaking, and your memory captures it in living technicolor!
Allow change! You have no idea what adventure awaits you just around the bend.
Loving Jesus, help me never to be so caught up in routine that I can’t follow You where You want to lead me. AMEN.
Photo Michael Johnston