Night Drive

It had been a long day of writing content, working through non-profit stuff, and working on social media junk. My brain was tired. When the librarian finally kicked me out, ever-so-nicely, I headed to Chipotle’s for dinner.

Afterwards, I wasn’t quite ready to go home. I drove straight past the entrance into my neighborhood and headed down the prettiest little stretch of byway we have in town.

This 5 mile pass of pavement has so many memories. It winds through a natural area and on both sides of the road there is water. Dark…curvy…the moon’s reflection. Only a few headlights coming my way on this weeknight late evening drive.

All of a sudden, nostalgia overtook me.

I used to drive this road when I was a teenager in town on Christmas and spring break. I’d drive right past my future husband’s house and head toward the beach.

I drove this road when I was home from college, and one day, I spotted my future husband running down the road. I thought he was so adorable, so I honked. Looking in my rear-view mirror, contemplating turning around and introducing myself, he was mooning me. Hmmmm…”nice backside” I thought to myself.

I drove this road to de-stress from all the wedding planning.

A year later I was driving and praying to God for a baby since we had just suffered a miscarriage.

I ran this road for long distances trying to get back into shape after babies….

I’ve watched my kids race this road in triathlons.

I’ve driven it at all hours blaring my music and windows down just trying to forget why I was so mad, so hurt, so frustrated, so worried or tired.

I’ve driven it blaring music with a carload and then a van load full of kids, singing along to their favorite tunes.

I’ve ridden silently in protest because I was mad at my husband driving.

And one time, in a horrible temper tantrum, I flat out made him stop on the side of the road and I attempted to walk home. In an evening gown and high heels. Not my brightest moment as a wife or mother. I got a blister and my hair fell.

Tonight’s drive was full of memories. The windows down. Sunroof open. Music blaring. Every emotion I had experienced on my little drive down memory lane made me realize how quickly time flies. I couldn’t even remember why I had been so mad at David those times we drove silently or even during that ridiculous blow up when I tried to walk home. The stresses that I thought were stresses were really nothing in comparison to the things I am facing currently. And I realized that every challenge I have faced while driving that lane, God has answered. Every problem, He has been there. Every stress, He has quelled. And He’s got the answers for today’s worries too, y’all.

Bless each one of you and may you find peace and strength in the One able to give both beyond our understanding.

“…and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7