This past week, Beverly and I headed north to visit Traders Point Creamery. Before we left the house, we entered the address into my phone and we started out on our "one tank trip."
Somewhere en route, I was so caught up in talking with Bev and listening to music that I didn't hear the voice of the GPS. As a result, I missed a turn. Immediately, the GPS started "Re-Routing."
We got off at the next exit, thinking we would turn around, but noticed that there was a sign pointing to our destination. We decided to ignore the GPS and follow the road signs. We arrived at our destination and enjoyed some beautiful scenery to boot!
On our way home, we took the same route we had traveled. Instead of getting on the interstate, which would have made for a faster route, I looked over at Bev and said, "let's take the scenic route home." With the sunroof open, the windows down and holding hands we were contently enjoying a beautiful Spring day.
We ended up at the entrance of Eagle Creek State Park. With no cash on us, we were happy when the Park Ranger said, "we take debit cards." So, with a $5 swipe we started our scenic journey through the park.
Our plan was to exit on the other side of the park (56th Street) and head home from there. Keep in mind, had we not missed our turn, we wouldn't have even seen the park entrance and therefore would have bypassed natures beauty inside the park.
Inside the park, we parked near the marina. We were walking along, holding hands, enjoying the beautiful sunshine...when our phone rang. Our daughter, Kaitlyn, was on the other end saying, "My tire just blew on the interstate." She was pulled over on the side of the highway and a little frazzled with what to do. I asked her, "where are you", she said, "almost to 56th Street." Immediately we knew where she was and told her we were on our way.
In less than 10 minutes we were able to reach her! Even better, a police officer spotted her and came to her aid before we could get to her! He changed her tire in record time! (We have some amazing public servants!) We were able to swap vehicles with her so that she could get to her appointment and we could take her tire to the shop.
My point is...sometimes you get "re-routed" for a purpose. I truly believe that God orders our steps. A missed turn from our GPS allowed us to see another route that we wouldn't have noticed beforehand. That missed turn opened up a scenic route that also caused us to SLOW DOWN...which in turn put us within minutes of our daughter when she needed our help.
Friends, sometimes we miss a couple of turns in life. Perhaps we weren't paying attention when God was speaking. Maybe we intentionally chose another voice over His. Maybe God re-routed our steps to help us avoid dangerous circumstances and hazardous people.
However, I've learned that even when you end up in a place you never expected to be...EVEN THERE God is RE-ROUTING and bringing His PURPOSE and GOOD to the forefront.
Enjoy the journey...God is working all things for your good! (Romans 8:28)