Don't Squander the Wander!

Somewhere around a thousand miles into an endless journey, when you aren’t even a fourth of the way there yet, you just kind of forget about where you are, and how many miles are left. The vehicle rambles down the highway, and your mind goes into cruise control as the miles and sunlight steal away into the horizon. Mileage ticks by, and music wafts from speakers to ears, and you just might find yourself humming along or singing at the top of your lungs. Because you can. And you should.

Glancing off into the distance, you might see wildlife or farm animals standing by the side of the road, looking at you, weird tourist, driving along their road.

Y’all ain’t from ‘round here…mooooooooo.

This is the bliss I search for when we wander. This is the ‘Merica I cling to.

Life. Happening around us. In spite of us. Watching us roll on by.

That disconnect of time and space is a gift, friend. Many never find the time to lose it.

I love it. I personally think we as an overly scheduled, worn-out people, need to take at least one adventure in life where we get to the moment where we don’t know what state we are in, what day of the week it is, yet we don’t care because we can’t keep our eyes off the cloud formations and sunset’s rays. We learn to just be. And, when we roll back into our neighborhood, we catch ourselves looking around wondering if this is our street, if we are in the right neighborhood at all.

It’s the joy of getting to the point of lovely unfamiliarity of all that hinges us or keeps us unhinged.

But back to that journey. Just like there is nothing new under the sun, along the highways and byways of our land, where concrete meets tire tread, someone has gone before us. Forged the path. We owe them a debt of thanks, for each plank of smooth road, and yes, every pothole too. They have given us the path to follow. So, on that long journey, when we disconnect, we have the luxury of just keeping the vessel of adventure moving forward.

In my curiosity about land routes in the forging of our country’s boundaries, we have happily traversed much of the path taken by Lewis and Clark. Man, did they have a struggle. But discovery was theirs. And their reputation and historical acclaim is seen all along this land of ours. Someday I just might get to all million of the museums in their honor. And, Pompey’s Pillar, where Clark carved his name into the rock. Like total graffiti. Proof of his presence way out in the middle of nowhere Montana.

I love the logo used to mark the official Lewis and Clark route, trails and paths. Two guys, looking to the left, one guy with his arm stretched straight, pointing outward. They are silently loudly saying, go that way! Just go that way! Why yes, fine sirs, I think we shall.

More than once in our last adventure I cracked up at these two, perched on a pole on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere telling me to just keep heading down this empty road. Surely, if they say so, something good would be down that way. Yes sirs, we will go that way.

You know, when we get to a place of rest, or contentment, or giving up, or stagnation, or whatever keeps us in a place and time for a longer spot than we intended, we need a little nudge. A little friendly reminder to just keep going. A friend or two that will stand by you, look forward into the newness of a different season, and point out the possibilities.

Lewis and Clark may keep us going down the highway with their official signs and bold arm stretched out, but I believe God will also give us such friends in this journey of life. The ones who say, hey you! I see what’s what. You’ve taken some down time, and you’ve traveled a road both smooth and pothole ridden. It’s a new day. Let’s see what God has now. Go that way, toward the plans and purpose God has for you. In this new season.  I’m on your side, I’m for your good, and together let’s discover a new day. Lord, be glorified.