Detours

Finding Joy When Your Journey Shifts

Introduction

The news these days has been highlighting the millions of people who are traveling. As I ponder images of cars packed on highways, I am considering the journey of life, especially detours along the way. Thank you for joining me in this issue of The Adventure of Reflection as I use the metaphor of detours for times when our lives include unplanned shifts.

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A Minute of Motivation

Detours

The really happy man is the one who can enjoy the scenery even when he has to take a detour.

The road to your goals is not straight, smooth, and paved. Sometimes you’ll even encounter “Road Closed” signs, and you’ll find the only way to get where you want to go is to take a detour. Detours can seem frustrating because they’re usually longer and more time-consuming. Taking a detour may seem like you’re not making progress at all. But detours ultimately and eventually get you back on the road you were traveling, and such is also true of the detours in the road to your goals.

If you are determined to reach a certain goal, then be willing to get there another way if your original way is blocked. And try to enjoy the scenery – even when you’re taking the detour.

Note. Originally published in 1992 as part of a collection of inspirational messages for college students.

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Enjoy Life More

Enjoy the Scenery

With every part of our family strewn at various distances from our home, my husband and I are often on the road together. We typically run Google Maps even though we know the way to our destination. Sometimes the navigation alerts us to a “slowdown ahead” and that a “faster route is available.” Faster, in this case, is relative to the amount of delay in our planned route. Sometimes, even if the time is the same, we will select the alternate route just to “keep moving.” The scenery of a detour is better than the stop-and-go of being stuck on the highway.

Life is like a road trip.  Sometimes the way ahead is smooth and unobstructed. At other times the road is rough but there is no better route available. And, when the road ahead is too full of trouble or is closed, a detour is the better, or only, option.

Are you on a detour? Is the current section of road not what you had planned? Perhaps you have had a health detour or an employment shift. Maybe your traveling companion is no longer on the journey with you, and you are forced to keep going alone, a detour of sorts because of the change in plans. Detours in life can take on many forms, but they all send us into an unwanted route. And the route is usually slower, and often harder, than we had planned.

But, even on a detour, there is always scenery to enjoy. And the slower pace allows time to pay attention to the sights and sounds along the way. In fact, sometimes it’s best to just stop for a bit and look around. Much might be lost when forced to take a detour, but much more might be found. To enjoy life more, determine to enjoy the scenery of each day of your life, especially when taking a detour.

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Faith Corner

Jesus said, “The narrow road leads to life.” (See Matthew 7: 14)

If Jesus were a navigational system, what type of roads would He advise? Would he recommend the fastest route, sticking to the well-developed, heavily traveled highways, or would He be a “back-roads” guide?

I’m speaking metaphorically, of course, but I think it’s safe to say Jesus would recommend to travel “off the beaten path.” He described a “broad road that leads to destruction” (see Matthew 7:13) and a “narrow road that leads to life.” As a navi-system, Jesus would say “turn here” and send His followers off the well-traveled paths, away from the route most people choose on their own. It’s a more scenic route, avoids destructive outcomes, and leads to abundant life.

Dear Lord, thank You for being my navigational system, guiding me on paths that lead to life and not destruction. You know, and have planned, the entire map of my life. Help me to trust You when You tell me to “turn here” – away from what seems like the best or most logical route ahead. Thank You for preparing the road ahead of me. Amen.

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Poetry Pause

D. E. T. O. U. R.

Determined to

Enjoy

The

Officially

Unwanted

Route

By Cindy MacGregor, May 29, 2023

Note. Much of life is a detour from the path we had planned – we might as well enjoy it!

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Old Mom to Young Mom

“You are Here”

A common response at the end of a road trip is to assess the rate of travel and, if not faced with detours or delays, to say “we made good time.” Sometimes a trip goes by faster than at other times.

I remember sitting in church with our three children and looking at older couples whose children had grown up and moved away. It was impossible to imagine that one day that would be my husband and me. And, yet here we are. The last of our children left for college over a decade ago. Now I watch the parents with their children and remember the days when we were there.

So much of parenting is spent looking forward to future stages – walking, being potty-trained, learning to read, finishing elementary school, learning to drive, and graduating from high school. As an old mom to young parents, I encourage you to focus on where you are now. Too soon the road ahead will change and the little ones you thought would never grow up are miles away.

Like a map on a way-faring board, find the arrow that says: “You are Here” and focus on your current location, not just your next destination. The trip goes by faster than you think. The beauty of the scenery is right next to you, right now.

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Dear Dr. Mac

Dear Cindy,

[In response to Toxic Soil] I really needed this reminder: Treat Bitter Soil with Gratitude and Forgiveness. Thank you!

[signed] Marci

Dear Marci,

I am grateful you found something you needed in the issue Toxic Soil. Our bitter response to toxic situations is to apply vinegar and salt (like complaining and resentment). Unfortunately, such applications destroy our ability to grow, while also hurting those around us.

[signed] Cindy

Dear Cindy,

[in response to Toxic Soil] Thank you for this timely newsletter. I, too, have had a similar situation with my employer of over 40 years in these past 2-3 years. 

I’ve been frustrated, angry, and felt defeated and beaten down. It has taken a while, but I’m finally back in a happy place and content with what seems like somewhat menial work compared to what I did have on my plate for many, many years. I’ve learned to accept that I’ve “paid my dues” and now I can enjoy the fact that I don’t have the level of responsibilities and the stress that comes with that … and I’m finally at peace… It’s taken a lot of prayer, but I’m finally content. 

Hope you’re doing well and have found some peace in your situation as well.

[signed] Cindy

Dear Cindy,

It’s awesome to hear from you -- Thanks for your encouraging words and reflection! One of the messages God gave me after a time I was passed over for a promotion was “I don’t want you to work that hard.” This message was combined with a realization of the deep value of time with family (especially grandchildren). When our children were little, I was employed full-time and worked, worked, worked. It’s a good thing to be in a season of less work and more time to be with the people we love.

And, yes, I am finding peace – and gratitude – for the shifts and disappointments. Thanks so much for writing!

[signed] Cindy

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