This is How I Pause: I connect with God when I go on a Road Trip
Annalie knows she is a daughter of the Most High King, who knows her name and in whose sight she has found grace. She is a mother of two beautiful children who brings her much joy. Her motto is to love people well and experience a little adventure every day.
THIS IS HOW I PAUSE: I CONNECT WITH GOD WHEN I GO ON A ROAD TRIP
A road trip is how I pause and breathe, or perhaps I should say, buckle up, drive and breathe. I have to confess; there is nothing as exhilarating as the long shiny black tar road stretching ahead and inviting me to an adventure while the cold morning air sends wisps of conversation condensation to my travel companions. Truth be told, I look forward to a road trip like I look forward to going to heaven one day! I dream of the things I will see and the food I will eat, but most importantly, of the people I will meet.
Before taking a road trip, I thoroughly search the web to find local hangouts that “outsiders” seldom get to enjoy. Behind these special restaurants with great local dishes are often people with big personalities and interesting stories. I especially search for great viewpoints where I can enjoy perfect sunsets or beaches where glass beads from Spanish shipwrecks can still be found. It is these hidden gems that make a trip memorable. I liken it to scripture hidden in my heart and that God pulls up to remind me of his faithfulness, making it my own personal hidden gem. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Before we leave, I check the oil, water, tires and wipers (in case of a storm) before fuelling the car. Remember, preparation is key, for we must be ready for every eventuality. As part of my spiritual preparation, I have learned to ask God for a specific scripture or promise for my trip. It serves as a GPS for my encounters and conversations to come.
Finally, we are ready to pack the car. ‘Padkos,’ or food for the road, is a South African tradition I still embrace. Nothing adds excitement and anticipation like packing this food basket with boiled eggs, ‘boerewors’ or farmer’s sausages, cheese and tomato sandwiches, and especially a flask with warm sweet coffee. This basket will be taken out at that perfect spot where we can both enjoy the food and the view. Here we stretch our legs from the long drive while a dusting of salt from the boiled eggs will feed the ants around our feet. Yet we do not linger too long, for the road may be long, and we are anxious to reach our destination – our glimpse of heaven.
Oh, and don’t forget the wine gums! If you did, turn around and fetch them, for no road trip is complete without wine gums to share. Another thing I have learned is never to journey alone. Therefore, I always invite a travel companion or two or three – people who can share the joy when I spot dolphins, who can laugh with me when the ice cream runs down my chin and drips onto my shoes and who can hug me when the splendour of creation brings tears to my eyes. Thus, I have learned that road trips are meant to be shared like God’s love and wine gums.
I seldom take photos of the landscape when I travel as I prefer to capture the moments in my heart and ponder them there… but, I do like to take selfies with friends. I call it Ebenezer photos. 1 Samuel 7:12 says: Thus far the Lord has helped us. Indeed, where would we be without the people that leave their footprints in our hearts? God knows we can’t do life alone; therefore, He sends beautiful people to help us. I am grateful for every person who lovingly invested in my life and has helped me in my journey, thus I am an avid collector of Ebenezer selfies.
My love language is giving gifts. I carry the people I love in my heart as I travel. I am always hunting for unique little trinkets to bring home to say: I have not forgotten you (Isaiah 44:21). We can pause and breathe because God never forgets us — no matter where we find ourselves on our personal journey. I love the quaint little shops, the adventure of a road never travelled and the surprises around every turn on this road. It helps me unwind.
After many aromatic cups of coffee, yummy shared meals and warm hugs from friends in roadside coffee shops, the road trip adventure always leads us back home. Interestingly, the joy and familiarity of home bring a whole new dimension to pausing and breathing! The wagging tails of the welcoming committee conducts a symphony of joy that sounds “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). The comfort of my bed, being able to put my feet up on my couch, friends who pop in unexpectedly to hear about the adventure, and the kind comments of “you look so well-rested” makes me want to start planning my next road trip tomorrow.
Day trips, weekend break-aways and holidays enrich our lives, helping us to pause. Therefore, do no wait any longer, but start preparing for your own road trip!
