My Favorite Roads

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!"

The Safest Place

The other night some friends and I got to talking about the safest place to be. One told about a lady who lived and ministered in one of most crime ridden ghettos. When people expressed concern for her safety she told them that the safest place you can ever be is in the center of God's will. I have read Anita Dittman's book, "Trapped In Hitler's Hell." A young Christian lady who was part German and part Jewish, she was sent to a German work camp. Her believing Mom who was all Jewish was sent to a concentration camp. She tells many of the miracles that she experienced while in the work camp. I have also heard her speak. Anita's story is a truly faith building one. She ended it by saying, "Safety isn't found in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God."

THE SAFEST PLACE

When the storm threatens,

Or the tempest pounds,

Hidden under our Savior's wings,

Their protective shadow,

Secure in his embrace,

Resting not wrestling,

Is the safest place to be,

Having surrendered our will,

Seeking to know His,

Then walking in obedience,

One step at a time,

Learning to hear his voice,

Discern it from the enemies,

Honest about our fears,

Letting our Father heal us,

Set us free,

Give us his strength,

Show us his faithfulness,

Which builds trust,

Is the safest place to be.

Safety isn't found in the

absence of danger, but in the

presence of God. Anita Dittman