What if the detour is an invitation to something better?

Road trip!

I don’t know how long it has been since you’ve taken one, but I’m sure you’re due for another one. 

But, just in case you can’t manage to get away right now, go with me in your imagination.

Your bags are packed. Your reservations are made. You’ve got your trip mapped out. You know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there.  You’ve even figured out the stops along the way.

And now, you’re on your way. Woo hoo!  You’ve got your motor running and you’re headed down the highway.  Got your tunes blaring, your favorite non-impairing beverage of choice, and driving snacks.

What a minute!  What are those orange signs?  Are you kidding me?

DETOUR.

Well isn’t that special?  This changes everything.  You’re going to be delayed.

Your trip has been undone (de-toured).

How could this happen? Dear God, don’t You know I have a schedule to keep?

How’s your imagination feeling now?  Probably not so great.  If you’ve ever really been on many road trips, you have more than likely encountered those orange signs or flashing lights more than once.

I have a question for you …

What if the detour is an invitation to something better?

Let that sink in for a minute. What if this perceived barrier actually gives you the opportunity to take another path that you didn’t plan and experience something you didn’t anticipate?

Now, let’s get off the road and think about the journey of life—how you navigate your daily responsibilities and choices.  There are still detours, right?

Maybe your detour sign isn’t literally a sign in the road. Maybe it’s simply a barrier that is interrupting your plans and throwing off your schedule.

What if the detour is an invitation to something better?

An invitation from whom? How about God?

Now, I’m not suggesting that every interruption, barrier, or detour is something God put there. I AM suggesting that every one of those is an opportunity to listen to God.

God isn’t interested in just messing with us by randomly throwing out barriers in front of us.

And the question of whether he orchestrated it or allowed it is not the most important question.

The most important question is whether or not we are open to His invitation to what’s next.

Regardless of how the barrier got there, God invites us to join Him in something better.

A better destination … A better way of traveling … A better perspective … A better attitude … A better use of our resources …

What if the detour is an invitation to something better?

Your life—the trip as well as the destination—matters to God. How will you prepare yourself to listen for His invitation today?

Be amazing today, my friend.