Summer’s End: Road Trip Reflections
With photos of good-bys and hugs, social media posts show college students have moved into dorms, putting summer behind them.. They’re meeting new people, living in an unfamiliar place, and getting used to a new schedule. First day of school photos-from kindergarten to senior year, have crossed my news feed. One common first week of school assignment for elementary students is telling how they spent their summer vacation.
Women often take their summer photos ,print them for an album, or upload to arrange them in books. For some, photos stay on our phones…for years. We may look back and a treasured memory comes in full view. Maybe a tear falls as we see how children have grown.
In July, I took the road trip of a lifetime—literally. I traveled through five states and visited the chapters of my life. I reconnected with friends I hadn’t seen in forty-five years and hugged family I had seen a few weeks earlier but wanted another face-to-face of love and joy.
The trip wasn’t all laughter, reminiscing, and delicious meals.
Vehicle trouble entered the picture. While driving to my second stop, my tire light went on. I had tire issues two weeks earlier, but the tire was replaced. A tire light in familiar places isn’t usually a problem—you head to your auto service provider. The light continued as I kept up with traffic. Did I say I was in Washington DC, the Washington Monument on my left? A truck on my right side and a car on my left. The Potomac River was lovely, I thought, but not with me in it. Blowing a tire could have been catastrophic. There was no way to exit, until I got through a tunnel. I drove for miles, wondering where to stop. I prayed the entire way, repeating my request and God’s promises:
I need help and safety and I know: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways…” Psalm 91:11a (NIV)
I believe You led me to take this trip, so I trust: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
I’ve never driven these roads alone, and You’ve said: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;” Isaiah 42: 16 (NIV)
I exited and stopped at a gas station with a convenience store. I walked around my vehicle and the tires seemed fine—maybe one appeared low. Was I imagining it? I asked a young man to check for me. He didn’t see a problem but added a little air for safe measure.
“I have ninety miles until I get to my daughter’s house.”
“You’re golden,” he said.
I left in confidence, excited I would see my family soon. My son-in-law has many skills, auto care is one of them, so I knew he’d check my vehicle out. But twenty miles from my destination I blew a tire. If I had to have a flat, that was the place. I pulled over, called roadside assistance and waited. A state trooper showed up—young enough to be my grandson and with manners that told me his Mamma raised him right. He stayed with me the hour I waited and helped unload my trunk to get my spare. I parted ways with words of thanks that were insufficient.
Perhaps he too, like the man at the convenience store, was one of those angels I prayed about.
The flat occurred where I could pull over to a shoulder safely.
I was guided to the right place.
I won’t go into the details of a replacement tire, but it worked out and I continued my trip. Thirteen days later, I arrived safely home with amazing memories, a full heart, and 2300 miles added to my odometer.
My photos are still on my phone and God’s promises remain in my mind and heart. I also have overflowing gratitude and insufficient words for God’s faithfulness and protection on the trip of a lifetime He led me to take.
What about you? We don’t always have road trips, but every day we have a need- sometimes routine, sometimes pressing. Where have you prayed God’s promises that led you to overflowing gratitude?
A visit to Lake Ontario-childhood memory
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The Conversation
I felt your anxiety when the tire issues occurred. I’ve driven many miles alone, and the fear of breakdowns and flat tires is never far from my mind. I’m so glad God kept you safe and He sent someone to help each time. The scripture you share is comforting. Thank you for this uplifting message.
Thank you Katherine for sharing. I know you understand solo trips and the God-confidence we need when we take them.. Marilyn
Your post is a good example of the value of memorizing Scripture, Marilyn. Thank you for reminding us God is always listening and watching. I love new chapters in my life, but I have to trust God for the uneasiness that can creep in. Praying God’s promises help me in those times.
Jeannie, He is a promise -keeper and totally reliable. Marilyn
Welcome home Ms. Marilyn. I can’t think of a single time when I haven’t said a prayer for protection when my Ms. Diane would leave alone for a trip, even a short one. Of course, wherever she went, I know that if she has tire trouble, I’m on speed dial. I might not be able to come fix it, but she trusts that I will ensure she gets the help she needs. Sometimes I forget that she’s got all the help she needs within her. What a great reminder for this “Mr. I hafta fix everything” personality. Sounds like a great time was had and lots of good memories revisited, and maybe a few not so good. Can’t wait to read all about them someday ma’am. God’s blessings.
Yes, JD, on my time-line/chapters I could see God’s fingerprints at each place. It’s an “exercise” I encourage everyone to do–if not as a road trip, but putting it on paper. Thanks for adding to our conversation.
First Marilyn, I commend you for being WILLING to drive in Washington, D.C.! You are a brave soul. Second, I praise God for your safety (actually that should be first). And I rejoice with you for the reconnection with friends and family. Face to face is always so much better, even though I am thankful for video calls. They sure make a difference when that is all you have. You were definitely placed with the right people (or angels) to help you out.
Yes, Barbara, this trip offered many illustrations and lessons I probably couldn’t have been presented with as vividly any other way. Face to face is best but glad you have your video contacts around the world. Marilyn
Marilyn, your post reminds us of the value in placing God’s Word on our hearts. I needed this reminder. My heart is bursting with fresh excitement to continue teaching my kids Scriptures.
God is always with us, He never fails. So thankful He kept you safe!
Thanks for taking us along on your excursion,, Marilyn. I smiled as I remembered the many trips I’ve made taking that same route through Washington, DC. I definitely wouldn’t have wanted to have a flat tire under those conditions, either. Your story reminded me to thank God for all the troublesome things I’ve had to deal with that could have been disasters if they had happened in other places or at other. God bless you for inspiring some overdue praise.
As someone who routinely experiences road anxiety when driving through Atlanta, I can relate to this! I love how you clung to God’s specific promises as you navigated the path of uncertainty and the thanksgiving you expressed after having a flat in a “good” place.
Blessings!
I am a chicken, and amazed you would have the boldness to drive that far. I feel the anxiety just thinking about it. However, your testimony of God’s watchful care shows me again that it’s not the smooth ride that is important but the God who is in control of each situation. Thanks for sharing your trip!
So glad you weren’t dealing with that in DC traffic and that you got to see family. Thanks, Marilyn. God bless!
Actually I was routed right through Washington DC, Nancy, Hence gratitude for no breakdown then was multiplied.
Wow, thanks for taking us on your journey and showing us the power of praying. God is so faithful
Marilyn, a trip that takes you through the chapters of your life seeing friends and family sounds utterly delightful. I’ve had to drive DC traffic more than once and could feel myself tense as soon as you described your location when the tire warning light popped on. Thank you for sharing your testimony of the Lord’s provision and protection on your roadtrip. Beth
Thank you Beth for visiting and adding to our conversation. I appreciate your words. Marilyn
D.C. traffic is stressful enough without a tire issue, Marilyn. I feel your anxiety. I love how you were able to remember God’s Word and call upon Him in your time of trouble. He’s always faithful.
Car issues, especially alone are scary. Thank you for sharing how God kept you safe. I know I need those reminders.