On the Road Again — Back to My Traveling Sacred Space

I headed out for my 4-hour trek from Austin to home in Frisco yesterday afternoon. I’m strategic about my travels. I left in the afternoon, since it was a Sunday and less traffic, but usually, on a week day, I’ll leave at 6 am — early enough to get ahead of Austin morning traffic and being sandwiched between what seems to be an endless number of cars going an average of 10 mph. The same thing when I leave Frisco to go to Austin — I usually leave at 6 am to get ahead of the Dallas morning traffic.

I’m convinced traffic can bring out the worst in drivers, so much so, that some folks avoid congested highways at all costs. If I did that, I wouldn’t ever be driving because that traffic is a part of my life these days. I’m quite conscious of the need to let several car lengths go between my car and the next car, but then comes along a vehicle that squeezes in between me and my well-thought out distance. Honestly, the fact that I’m willing to tackle those congested highways may not impress you, but it sure impresses me. For that matter, maybe God is preparing me for becoming the oldest Nascar driver EVER!

I make the most of these travels. It’s just me in my Buick Enclave “home” for those several hours of driving. I have 240 precious minutes in my car before I arrive at my destination, and instead of getting frustrated by the feeling of my foot constantly hitting the brakes and looking over my shoulder to be sure there isn’t another vehicle in my blind spot, I use this time and my car as a “holy space”. It becomes my little sacred car chapel. I’ve learned I can get so much accomplished when I relish this time instead of suffering through it.

Here are my car chapel options: I can listen to uplifting music and let the words settle inside of my heart. I can praise and pray. I have plenty to praise God for and I have plenty to pray for. I can endeavor to be in the moment and listen for God’s brilliant ideas for my next blog and post. I can listen to inspiring faith and motivation CDs. I can make phone calls and encourage a friend or family member. I can pray for other drivers that are on the road with me. Who knows? They may be encountering overwhelming circumstances in their life and my prayers may help them face another day. Many times in those early morning hours, I can bask in the sun rising and witness, once again, God’s indescribable artistry and appreciate His mercies that are new every morning.

Here’s some really good news. Establishing little “heaven on earth” moments can just as easily be done in an office at work, in a kitchen while cooking dinner, in a classroom or gym. I’ve come to realize that when we’re “acknowledging God in ALL our ways (even those on the high-ways), we are relinquishing our ways to submit to His ways that direct our paths, streets and highways. As for me, I’ll keep taking to the road for these sweet travel journeys and I’ll keep singing with Willie Nelson, “On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again.” And I think I’ll keep on having church while I’m there!!