While driving on an unfamiliar road, I saw what appeared to be construction traffic in the far right lane. I kept going, thinking the exit lane was beyond the long line of dump trucks. I was mistaken.
Suddenly, I saw the exit. Squeezing between bumper-to-bumper traffic was impossible, so I went to the next exit, miles down the road, crossed a bridge, and doubled back.
Sometimes, life is like a fast-approaching exit just beyond a long line of unmoving traffic. Many things factor into the ability to assess the situation and navigate through it. Other times, detours bring frustration and delay forward motion.
Following are thoughts on life’s detours:
Perceptions and Assumptions
When I neared the exit, I saw an area blocked off by barricades and trucks moving in and out of the area. To me, it appeared that the trucks in the right lane were an extension of the movement and work in the barricaded area, so I assumed the right lane was only for construction traffic.
What I couldn’t see beyond the trucks were cars and SUVs. Had I been able to see the full line of traffic I would have realized, in time, that it was the exit lane. Instead, what I perceived led to an incorrect assumption.
Often, assumptions land us in trouble. We base decisions on what we perceive, but perceptions aren’t always accurate. At a glance, we can’t see what is beyond the immediate or know the master plan behind current circumstances. Or we make assumptions based on prior experiences or someone else’s opinion.
If possible, take time to verify that what you perceive is accurate, and avoid making decisions without additional investigation.
Alternate Routes
I was annoyed about missing the exit and having to travel several miles beyond, and then back, to access the correct road. But in the process, I discovered the exit on the opposite side of the highway had less traffic, no construction zone, and deposited me closer to my destination.
Life is similar. We grow impatient with detours and delays only to find we’ve been saved from events or relationships that could prove detrimental or send us in a dead-end direction.
Delays are never easy, especially if they involve illness or some other slowdown that makes us feel we’re going nowhere and missing out on opportunities. But by looking for positives in detours and delays we gain perspective and maintain forward motion. Today’s delay or detour may result in an unencumbered path down the road.
Reaching the Destination
After arriving at my target location, I completed my mission and headed home. The journey was not without peril. I had to pay close attention to speeding drivers, avoid distractions, anticipate quick lane-changers, sudden slowdowns, and exit ramp backups, but, with focus, I made it home safely.
Our goals aren’t always easily reached, nor the journey a straight road. Detours come, roadblocks materialize, and alternate routes challenge, but by learning along the way and trusting God for wisdom and direction, we complete the journey.
You may feel you’ve encountered a roadblock for which there is no bypass or a detour that has you wandering far from your intended destination. Ask God for insights, help to find creative solutions, and directions to a straighter path. Realize your current waiting period may speed you ahead in days to come, and trust the process, no matter how tedious and slow.
“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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