Traveling Mercies

Friday, we picked up the kids from school and headed north to Chicago.  It was a miserably rainy drive and about half way up, traffic slowed to a stop.  With no exit in sight, we inched our way along for 35 minutes. 

Finally, we came into view of the accident which had stopped everyone in their tracks.  For me, all the frustration of our delay ebbed completely away as I saw multiple wrecked cars and countless emergency vehicles.

Next to one of the mangled cars I saw an abandoned child seat laying on the wet pavement.  The car had been cut open to remove it. 

My heart clenched, and I felt a lump in my throat.  Be with that family dear Lord.  All those families.

All of a sudden, it didn’t matter what kind of time we made.  It didn’t matter if we made it in time for my kids to swim in the hotel pool.  And the little details of our schedule that I had stressed over most of the week simply shrank to insignificance.

I kept seeing that little car seat for the rest of our trip up.  And thinking about the family who’s plans had changed in an instant. 

God very poignantly reminded me to hold my plans loosely.  To look at my watch and the map less, and the back seat more.

We ended up having a really great time, full of unexpected twists and turns in my plans—which in the end, made the whole trip more fun.  I can’t wait to tell you about some of them this week.

But for now, go give your family a hug.  And when you’re marking your calendar, trade your pen for a pencil .  God may have better plans.  

For I know the plans I have for you…Jeremiah 29:11

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