Travel Observations

My husband and I drove from Ohio to Colorado over the past 48 hours. It took us just over 23 hours to do so. It was a long trip, but there were a few things I took note of as we were traveling and I thought I would share them with you.

Observation #1:

The leaves that filled the very large trees throughout the Midwest were just beginning to take on a yellow color…we missed seeing the fall colors of the east by just a few weeks.

We love autumn in Colorado, but the variety of trees in the east make for a spectacular season.

I am so thankful that God has provided such beauty and wonder for our eyes. He was the perfect Creator. Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” The time is coming for beauty to be seen throughout this great land of ours. Don’t miss it. Take the time to enjoy God’s creation.

Observation #2:

Our Ruby Tuesday waiter in St. Peters, Missouri was the best we’ve ever had. He was efficient. He was eager to assist. He was energetic. He was engaging. He was even entertaining.

This young man has been taught well. And not just by Ruby Tuesdays. He had a servant heart. I cannot help but wonder if he may someday be the next great minister on the horizon. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me.

To all of the young people (or anyone who beginning a new venture) who read this blog, here are some verses of encouragement for your future.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 – NIV)

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (Psalm 105:4 – NIV)

Observation #3:

A speedometer that doesn’t work is of no help…especially on a long stretch of highway without any other vehicles in sight (more to come on this venture in a future blog post).

The only thing I can say about this is in a time like this, trusting God is all there is. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.”

Observation #4:

There are very friendly gas station attendants throughout the State of Kansas to make your night travel a bit more exciting. I am once again thankful for those who have seen potential in these men. Placing them in areas where weary travelers could gain a bit of reprise from the hours of boring travel.

For the weary traveler, remember God is watching out for you. He will never grow weary of helping you. Psalm 121:3 (NIV) tells us, “He won’t let your foot slip. He who watches over you won’t get tired.”

Observation #5:

There is a town of Quinter, Kansas. As I scanned through the radio stations to find something to listen to, there were five that came in. I thought it was kind of appropriate for the good folks of Quinter.

If you search the number “five” on www.biblegateway.com, you’ll find pages of references to this number. And something you may not know (I didn’t until I took the Jonah study by Priscilla Schirer), God gave Jonah a message to deliver to the Ninevites. In his language, it was only five words. Five words that changed the lives of the people in an entire city.

Five seems to have significance in Scripture…I’d love to hear about Quinter, Kansas. What impact have the people of this village of “five” had on the world.

Observation #6:

Don’t be surprised at who will prepare your breakfast in Limon, Colorado. We were the only customers in this diner. It was very early in the morning. Even the cook wasn’t awake...he was napping at a booth near the back of the restaurant. Our waitress woke him and he prepared the best breakfast we had on our entire trip.

Of course we didn’t know he was the cook. He looked like an exhausted truck driver seeking refuge from the long haul. Luke 6:37 (NIV) says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Our lesson: don’t make judgments on what we see. Take the time to get to know a person. A situation. Then see what God does with it. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a quote to take away from this one. He was just waiting to use his talents. Who might I have overlooked in my lifetime?

These are my observations. Of course there are more, but this is all time allows for today. What are you observing along the way? Is God placing people in your path for you to take a look at and see potential? Can you encourage just one person today? I am certain you can! Just keep your eyes and heart open to God’s prompting. You will be amazed!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna