I write this as land moves past me below, yet I am still. A pane of glass protects me from what I imagine would be a deafening whirl of air. In about 180 minutes I’ll be landing on concrete again in a city that is ‘much more faster,’ using the words of a gentleman I met just before boarding my flight. He’s hoping to move back to my home city where he feels he can breathe better in a space not quite so occupied. And with traffic that moves much more steady, and maybe just a bit slower, he tells me.
I am reminded of my time just a couple of weeks ago, navigating the highways of Florida and Georgia. And, must admit, while keeping up with the speed of the traffic, I found myself glancing to the odometer often, trying to do the math in my head between miles ph to km ph, to figure out how fast I was going. ‘Cause it sure felt faster than what I normally drove at home. But I knew if I slowed down, it wouldn’t be wise. I didn’t want to hand-in my rental car with a crushed rear-end!
I had to follow the speed set by the multitude of other drivers to stay safe, to blend in, and to not cause harm to myself or others.
It’s the rules of the road.
Thankfully though, God’s road is much different. He isn’t going to give me a mean gesture, or get angry at me if I try to make U-turn in front of Him, or make me go at a speed that isn’t right for me. Instead He gives me assurance He has a plan for me that is good.
For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: 11-13
If I do get off the wrong exit because I wasn’t paying attention, He doesn’t want me to be anxious or upset. Instead He wants me to take all my cares to Him and He will redirect my path.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6:7
And even if I do make an error of judgement, and cause harm to myself and others, He never will condemn me. Instead He wants me to navigate the roads knowing that I am always His beloved.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6
May you know, my friend, that unlike the speeding traffic of a highway, there is no speed you need to keep up with when it comes to our road with God, to be safe and unharmed. You are always, always loved by Him.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
“or get angry at me if I try to make U-turn in front of Him, or make me go at a speed that isn’t right for me. Instead He gives me assurance He has a plan for me that is good.”
This is reassuring!
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Yes, it is reassuring! Thanks for your comment Sandi!
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I love this, Lynn. You are so brave to drive in busy traffic. I think I would be a nervous wreck. I love that God never gets upset at us or condemns us if we get off the wrong exit or make an error of judgment. He is so tender and gracious, isn’t He? I love your reminder that God wants us to navigate knowing we are always His beloved. That makes a whole lot of difference in our journey, doesn’t it? Thank you for all the hope and encouragement you offer here, my friend! Love and hugs to you!
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Hi Trudy, Always blessed to see your words here! Yes, it does make a difference knowing we are His beloved as we journey through all our moments. Hugs back to you!
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I love love this analogy and am so thankful we know God and who He is!
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I’m glad you liked this analogy Terri! Have a beautiful day journeying as His beloved every moment.
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Lynn,
Enjoyed seeing your photos from your trip and glad you made it safely in your rental car! Love the reminder that God has good plans for us!
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Valerie, I have 500 other photos at least! I’m glad too, that the rental car went back just the same as when I rented it! May you see yourself as God’s beloved today, resting in the knowing His plans are always about love!
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Lynn … this gift I take with me today –>’Instead He wants me to take all my cares to Him and He will redirect my path.’
Thanks, friend.
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Hi Lynn! What a beautiful church! I bet you took a bunch of photos here.
Seems like you are ‘on the move’ a lot lately. I hope it’s for a fun reason? I can’t recall if you mentioned why you were traveling. Driving in a new place often rattles me at first. Then after a while, I can sink into the role of out-of-towner. Good thing that God holds us all the time, right?
Blessings,
Ceil
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It is always refreshing to read your wisdom Lynn. You are always open to God’s message and you see them in every place you’re traveling to. Thanks for always sharing His message!
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Just love the analogies here, even felt my body slowing down a pace where I’m with God, not speeding ahead..but knowing, knowing that however we ‘drive’ our lives, God is in charge, God allows our left turns and just puts us on the right road..so good Lynn! And I also know the feeling of going to a bigger city ..was just in Los Angeles with horns beeping behind me, ole granma like driver I am i–so much happier in my slower San Diego suburb!
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Lynn, I love this post, and your pictures! Simple and beautiful. We do live in a fast-paced world. Especially us city-folk. I love your words about how God wants us to go at His pace. He never pressures us to move faster, never condemns when we make mistakes and have to make a U-turn. There is always grace, isn’t there?
And I haven’t read the Gaelic blessing you shared for years. I’m glad you shared it. And that God holds us in the palm of His hands. Have a beautiful Mother’s Day and weekend, my friend.
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I appreciate this reminder and encouragement. We are so loved, you are right! Trusting for more of a grasp of that, it will change how I view so many things, I’m sure. Have a lovely weekend!
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Great analogy Lynn. God’s pace and His turns are the best, the ones we learn lessons that stick in our minds and hearts for the future.
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How did I miss this one? I have been checking over here to see if you had any new posts and I NEVER SAW THIS! I’m losing my mind, apparently. ha. (not really funny, so that was a sarcastic ha)
Love this parallel my friend. This was a comforting and assuring message I ALWAYS need to hear.
Aren’t we blessed to know that no matter how we travel, God has our backs. Jesus pours mercies new every day, and our massive mistakes can be used for His Glory. It’s just inconceivable to realize such gifts we are given! You shared some of my favorite verses in this message. ❤
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