In life, many times we drive down the same roads day after day. We pass the same houses and the same old dog sitting on the porch. The same mailboxes and barns. We become complacent and comfortable with the road. We know the road and we know where it takes us.
Then, out of the corner of my eye I see a little road; more of a pathway actually. It intrigues me. It beckons me. What would happen if I turned off my familiar road and took this one instead? Where would it take me? What would I find at the end of that road?
This thought repeatedly tantalizes me as I make the ½ hour drive each weekday to take my grandson to school and then back. There is this road; a.k.a dirt pathway. It takes off towards the east and I can see that it disappears into the forest. I yearn to brush off the tasks on my to do list for the day and instead of heading straight back home, I envision myself taking that road and seeing where it goes.
What stops me? Just myself, my silly fears and my over inflated perception of how many truly important things I have to do besides entertain a dalliance with “the road.” My breath becomes rapid as I grabble with the fear of the unknown. What if I disappear in the forest and no one knows where I’ve gone and can’t find me. Grandmas don’t just drive off into the forest, it just isn’t done.
I put my foot on the brake and slow down. I turn on my turn signal…and then, common sense prevails and I just keep on going. Down the same old road. I leave behind my sense of adventure and the thrill of experiencing something new.
What is the point in following this pathway of thought? I realize that this is how many of us, myself included, view our day-to-day life. We are so wrapped up in following the same old safe road that we miss opportunities that God has set in front of us. Opportunities that will challenge and inspire us. Opportunities for moments where we willingly give up control and follow God into a new direction. A new pathway! And God, well, He never disappoints.
Maybe it’s just a nice drive through nature that ends at a stunning view of the mountains or the river. Or maybe it’s a drive that takes me past a for-sale sign on a Bed and Breakfast that catches my eye. Hmmm….that’s an interesting thought. Or maybe it’s not about what we find and see on the new road, but actually the fact that we trusted God enough to take it.
Our family has recently decided to take a different road. We have turned down the unknown path and are purchasing a Bed & Breakfast in the small community of Husum, Washington. We are not sure what or where this adventure will take us, but are confident that this is the direction that God has for us to go at this moment in our life. Is it scary? Yes! Are we nervous about what lies ahead? I would be lying if I said no. But we are fully trusting and moving forward down a new road, in a new direction.
We are hoping to open on June 1, (2015), so I hope that if you ever find yourself in beautiful downtown Husum along the White Salmon River, that you will take a few moments to stop by. Put your foot on the brake, take a turn into the driveway and we’ll be waiting there with a nice hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of wine.
Once again, Connie, you have refreshed my soul. My husband and I have taken a turn on an old road occasionally. It’s fun for Martin and a little scary for me [cougars, scary people, run out of gas, get lost, etc.].
Please continue to write of your newest adventure with a Bed and Breakfast. I am sure you and your husband will give a restful stay to others.
Please don’t ever stop writing!
Thanks Cheryl for your very sweet comment. I don’t plan on stopping my writing any time soon, but we are excited as a family to follow this new adventure. I’m sure it will inspire even more stories to share with my fans.