Traveling Mercies

You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:3-5 (NLT)

I love visiting family but traveling from one side of the country to the other in two weeks drains my energy and strength. Whoever said that traveling is easy and fun must be pre-9/11. Airports have become a cattle call – lining us up and herding us through. No food, no drink, crying babies, and delayed departures are the norm. Driving is not much better but at least I have control over my schedule rather than the airlines. However, fuel costs, excessive heat, and busy highways contributed its own set of hassles. David, the psalmist, must have done a lot of traveling, too. His irritations were different from mine but that did not keep him from recognizing the hand of God in his life. Whether headed to battle or to his home, David acknowledged the watchful eye of God over him. Looking back in the rear-view mirror of my life, I can see God's intervention in the interruptions, delays, high costs, or irritable people that crossed my path. He put His hedge of protection around me when I drove 15 hours to the Bay Area and two hours to Memphis in the middle of the night. Upon reflection now that we are home, we had a great time visiting the grandgirlies and meeting a new set of Mark's relatives at the reunion. Yes, His blessing overflows with love for these we call ours.

6/26/08