Short-sighted in the rain
Celebrate the Small Things: That God sees what’s up ahead, even when we can’t. And, that we can rest peacefully in that knowledge!
It rains often in Indiana, even if the temperature is 95 degrees, which blows my mind. I grew up in Denver and when it rained, it resulted in cool afternoons or evenings with the humidity dissipating into the atmosphere. Not so in the muggy Midwest.
This morning was a downpour, as if someone was refilling a pitcher and dumping it on the roads. It reminded me of a time when I worked for a publishing company, selling advertising space to businesses.
My boss and I were making sales calls in Mississippi. We had visited a client and left later than intended to drive to Tennessee. It was dark and Mapquest had given us the shortest route which happened to be on a two-lane road through dense forest.
We had a good relationship (she later became my business partner), so things started out light-hearted, talking about the positive visit we’d had.
As the sun went down, it rained harder, and we found ourselves alone on the road, with the exception of large trucks that whooshed past us, splashing water on the windshield.
Water built up on the road so before long, when trucks passed us, we had waves of water bouncing over the front of our rental car. There were times that I held on to the steering wheel, to ensure we’d stay straight on the road, without being able to see anything in front of us. I’m sure it was for a few seconds but it seemed like forever. I remember repeating “I can’t see. I really can’t see.” It was stressful and frightening.
This went on for about two hours, until we got clear of the storm and arrived safely at our hotel.
I remembered that drive this morning and it reminded me of my Christian walk. How so often I’m able to see my current circumstances and my calendar of things to do for the week, but that I can really only focus on what’s in front of me. It doesn’t do any good to look to the past or try to predict the future. And, it’s hard sometimes not to worry about the unknown, especially as I get older. Yet, as I reflect on my past, each new road taken in my journey has always turned out for the best.
That’s where faith comes in, I guess. I can have faith in the Lord, who sees my entire journey. His vision isn’t obscured by heavy rain, or unknown obstacles. And, as a child of God, He’s going to do whatever He can to keep me on course. I do have free will and can veer off in the wrong direction at any time (as I’ve proven many times). However, nothing I do surprises God. Like the current GPS systems, I can easily get back on track by “recalculating” the route, and God will give me new direction from any point on the map, to reach my final destination. What a comfort!
These two verses are a good reminder to me. Perhaps they’ll speak to you in a special way also.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.” Psalm 139:1-3
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
16 Comments
Alex J. Cavanaugh (@AlexJCavanaugh)
We can’t see, but God always can. He’ll guide us through the darkest, wettest nights.
Although I’m sure you weren’t too keen on two lane roads after that.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Alex, thanks for visiting my blog – I really appreciate it! Yes, I agree, God is the ultimate guide in our lives. Actually, I still drive on two-lane roads – guess I’m a glutton for punishment. I’ve gotten better, and try to avoid driving in flash floods. I do love the scenery and wildlife involved in living a more rural life, now that I’m in Indiana. Have a great day and thanks for the comment!
Suzanne Furness
Hi Diane, nice to meet you through the CTST hop and thanks for stopping by my blog. If you are interested in finding out more about the chalk paint and techniques try looking up Annie Sloan and you should find lots of information and links.
Driving in heavy rain is so scary, I’m glad to hear you made it to your hotel safely and I hope the heavy rain you had today didn’t cause any serious problems.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for the information about chalk paint – I’ll look up Annie Sloan! It’s nice to meet you too, through the CTST hop. Heavy rain is a constant here in Indiana and I’m learning to be safe. I’d much rather drive in snow, believe it or not. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
lexacain
That drive in the rain sounds truly frightening. What a great analogy for the fearful times we go through now and again that require all our faith to keep going. Have a lovely weekend!
Tamara Narayan
I grew up in the south and remember the big thunder storms that would hit. Driving on a highway through those can be terrifying.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Tamara, I think thunder storms scare me more than snow. When we have a bad storm, we lose large tree limbs and have been had a few trees just cut loose from the ground and topple over. I do enjoy the greenery that is so dependent upon the rain, so I guess there is a trade off. Have a good day!
Tonja Drecker
I grew up in Denver too and am now living in Southern Missouri. The humidity is not my favorite thing in the world. But the rain is great. Okay, flooding not so much. But still, the wild flowers, trees and such amazes me again and again. Without faith, I don’t see how one can make it through 🙂
dmweiden@gmail.com
Tonja, thanks for visiting my blog. I agree – I LOVE all the green and the beautiful plants. And, the wildlife that comes into our backyard (even though we’re “in town”). A lot to like about Indiana, which is where we are. Missouri is beautiful as well – I’ve traveled there a few times. Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Natalie Aguirre
Yes, it’s hard to stay in the moment, have faith, and not worry about the future. I definitely am still working on that.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you have a good week!
Lori L MacLaughlin
Wow, I absolutely love your post! I’m going to bookmark it and read it often. It’s so hard not to let stress and doubts and anxiety for the future overtake your life. I need to breathe and remember that God is in control and that nothing will happen that He and I together can’t handle.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Lori, it’s easier said than done sometimes, I know. Thank you for the encouraging words and for visiting my blog. I really appreciate it!
Crystal Collier
I always like to say, He let’s you step into the dark before he lights your way. Been there. Done that. Many times.
dmweiden@gmail.com
That’s a comforting way to express it, Crystal. Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comment. I just have to remember that God has the flashlight 😉
Josie Two Shoes
I loved this! God is my GPS system, that’s a wonderful analogy and I will remember “recalculating route” when I know I’ve veered off the intended road! If we look ahead, life can be intimidating and even frightening, but we know that we will be ok if we take it one day at a time and let God show us the way.