Recalculating ... Again

 

Ah, the joys of the open road! I remember that was Mr Toad’s refrain when he first saw a motor car and began to dream of driving abroad.

We had been on a road trip for a few days, and were heading home, led by the lady of the satnav. I was at the helm, Don in the navigator’s seat as we neared Birmingham (I think…). We decided to opt out of the toll road, with its unknown fare structure, and stay on the free ways instead.

Easier said than done. We approached a round-about. ‘Take the fifth exit’, she who must be obeyed intoned confidently. There were five lanes filled with lorries and cars of all sizes. Everyone else seemed to know which exit they needed.

Some of the earlier exits seemed like they might be the one we wanted. We hesitated and went around again. There were a few horns honking. A truck looming too large in my rear-view mirror.

The fifth exit said M6 Toll. No, we didn’t want the toll. We went around again.

Going around again entailed our lady taking us off a different exit, up to the next round-about, where we circled and tried once more in this spider’s web of a round-about.

A few words passed between us. Not angry, but confused. I don’t know which way to go, we both agreed. Signs gave their destinations as town-names which we didn’t recognise.

‘I think that might be in Yorkshire,’ I ventured, not at all sure. Turns out, no. Lichfield.

‘God, please help,’ I murmured, and no doubt Don concurred in that prayer.

I, who can navigate the freeways of Los Angeles, felt beaten as we re-entered that round-about for the umpteenth time. I don’t think I can keep going, I moaned.

I took a road.

The signs changed. Yes! We were on an A-grade road across country, heading towards the M6. No tolls. Slow, rather tedious with plenty more round-abouts, but just one lane each way. More my speed.

How did we do it? Hmm.

So many times in life, I confidently swing into a round-about, thinking I know where I am going, only to be flummoxed by the options. This way or that way? Which is right?

The voice I long to hear may not come, but as I pray and ask for wisdom, for guidance, I need to trust and make a decision. Knowing that Jesus is with me all the way, and even if I do make a less-than-optimal choice, he will still be riding shot-gun. He won’t abandon me.

He will recalculate. Gently. He will not be frustrated (I hope); his patience is legendary.

So, having found our way back to the ‘hillock somehow, we are revelling in the peace and quiet. No trucks looming in the rear-view mirror. No horns blaring from exasperated drivers who know where they are going and are desperate to round this confused old couple.

How faithful is our God. His mercies never fail. They are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness.

We had a lovely time. But it is always good to get home.