It was the perfect trip and a chance to get away from our routine. Three weeks, 4000+ miles, 11 hotels and leisurely drives between each stop along the way. Our destinations are Boston, Massachusetts and Kennebunkport, Maine, and Amish Country on the way back but it’s the time with each other and away from distractions and obligations at home we really want.
Another reason we need to go on this trip is for my wife. She loves traveling, not having to cook, clean and do laundry and finding something good to eat. She looks forward to these trips and the excitement builds as we plan out where we will go and what we will do. Besides all that, she wants to make sure we get nice pictures of our adventures and post them on Facebook.
I have a few other things I want to do during this trip, like seeing my brothers, who like me aren’t getting any younger. We almost lost my older brother since our last visit, and we never know when our last get-together in this life will be. I want another chance to make sure they are ready to meet the LORD. I also have other family and friends I haven’t seen in way too long, so, this trip is more than Susan and I just taking a break.
The one thing we didn’t plan on was me getting sick a week before the trip. I went to the emergency room with chills and fever, and they kept me in the hospital for three days. I felt better when I came out, but I couldn’t risk a relapse (which happened) while we were away from home. I do most of the driving and if I got very sick, Susan would have to drive us home. Thank GOD I was able to cancel all our reservations and get our money back, which wouldn’t have been possible if we waited too late or was on our way. Yes, we had a great plan for a great trip, but we didn’t get to go! Susan was disappointed, but we will try again next year.
Our great trip reminds me of the greatest trip we will take. In fact, that trip has been planned literally forever! The plan is perfect, and you can trust the planner for “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Tim 1:12 KJV). He won’t let you get lost; in fact, you are lost until you accept Him and His plan. If you haven’t already, please accept His plan today so your trip won’t be ruined!
His plan won’t take you away just yet, but He will be with you and “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5 KJV). You will have plenty of things to do along the way as you “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mat 22:37 and 39 KJV). The excitement is building as we get closer to final departure because “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV).
I don’t have to worry about this trip being cancelled because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV) and JESUS said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 KJV). Yes, JESUS is the way, and He is in right here in my heart!
Wayne Lance (2022) – That’s Good News to Share!