MY
FAVORITE ROADS
By:
Jan Hagg
From
early childhood some of my favorite roads were the ones heading home.
As I got off the school bus, the tantalizing smell coming from the
kitchen greeted me as I walked through the door.
Until
my Mom, who was my dearest friend died, I lived at home. Moving to an
apartment afterward was a lonely experience. Every time I drove away
from my childhood home, it felt as though I was heading in the wrong
direction. Over time this feeling lessened. Then God in loving answer
to my many prayers provided me with a sweetheart man and a new home.
No longer lonely, the road home was once again my favorite one.
As
a child, one of my favorite roads was the one heading to my great
aunt and uncle, Maggie and William's home. As did they, their tree
shaded lawn and gorgeous flowers drew me to the place. I have a
picture in my mind of us five kids frolicking amidst the trees on
their lawn. When they died and we could no longer go to visit, my
heart broke. Another favorite drive was to my Aunt Jan's and Uncle
Sam's house. Sharing a meal together and playing with my cousins made
the day. Alternating homes, we got together with them often.
Some
very special roads for me are the ones leading out of town for a
longer vacation or even just one day away from the normal routine. I
also love the roads heading into a state park with its calming views
and scenic hiking trails. Also, I love taking local roads from
beginning to end.
As
the saying goes, "The road to a friend's house is never long."
A number of very special places for me are the homes of my good
friends. Being a people person, time with those closest to me is
essential.
Judith
Thurman wrote, "Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible
to be homesick for a place you've never been to, perhaps more
homesick than for familiar ground." I found this years ago on
the cover of a Land's End catalog. Because it so beautifully sums up
the greatest desire of my heart, for many years it hung above my
computer. While savoring each blessing God has placed in my life on
earth, the day when my beloved Jesus and I meet face to face to spend
eternity together is my most longed for moment.
It
cost God the highest price to purchase our salvation. His only Son
had to die for our sin. Oh the love of the Father and Son that they
would make such a sacrifice! Our part is to get honest about our sin,
turn from it, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. All of us are
heading toward one destination or another. Where we end up all
depends on which road we chose to travel. Will we live for self or
God? The former is a miserable dead end trip. From years of personal
experience I can wholeheartedly testify that, "Serving Jesus is
the most joyous adventure and best path anyone could possibly
choose!"
