Location: Ohio
Destination: Illinois (Home)
ETA: 3 PM CST
This morning I find myself at a hotel in Ohio. The night was fairly relaxing. I’d say that I rested pretty well, which here of late seems to be hit or miss. I’m not a huge sleeper, but I know the difference between basic sleep and the kind of sleep where you wake up and you’re ready to fly to the moon. I prefer the latter.
Another 6.5-7 hours lie ahead of me on route 80 W. People always ask me how I do it. Road Warrior. I don’t know…grace I’m thinking and the other thought is when I started I thought everybody did it. Who doesn’t like a good road trip? You get to inhale the sights and be away from the badgering of media business, professionals, etc. I love it!
I love it, because it’s peaceful. I get to hang out and talk to Jesus. We hash it out. I sing and sometimes swell the air with awe and wonder in Him. My podcasts are runnin’ when music is not as appetizing. And for quite a bit of time, I listen to the sounds of the road.
Big trucks passing me by as I coast at the speed limit. The wind blowing through the car and my rooftop is popping the whole way. I’m praying it doesn’t pop off. Periodically, I see cows in a pasture and I get 
excited…I heart cows…I think they’re so maternal…and so much of what I love comes from them…cheese, butter, ice cream. The air smells different in different states. Mountainous air in PA and Eastern OH, the pine trees and the forest. Western Ohio and IN offer the smell of livestock…yum. When I was little and we drove through, I just remember the smell being violently disgusting, but now I love it. It makes me appreciate a simple way of life that sustains the country.
There’s a presence on the road that I appreciate and I’m learning to not miss anything. I’m learning to be present. I try not to spend a lot of time daydreaming or fuming about the latest issue occupying my heart. It’s a time for me to be grateful and to enjoy.
So I do.
Road trips are fairly fun, because they feel like journey and they really symbolize movement. They’re tangible, especially when your little station wagon is packed to the hilt with all your worldly goods. My life is changing. I’m gaining a greater command of the process. It’s no longer running on auto and it feels good. God is guiding my steps, but I’m stepping so He actually has something to guide.
When’s your next road trip? Whenever it is enjoy. Stay present. Get off the beaten path. Stop at a national park. Take the scenic route. Make it romantic. Stop in an antique shop or two and buy some pastries at a hometown bakery. Enjoy!
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