Every time we go on a long trip, my daughter asks the question "How much longer?" or "Are we almost there?" at least a hundred times. On Saturdays, we go to town to run errands and I often hear the question, "Where are we going next?" Usually, after hearing these questions multiple times, I begin to say, "You’ll know when we get there." Our humanity longs to know exactly where we are going and how long it will take. We hate not knowing the plan.
In my spiritual journey, I am the same way. I am always impatient to know exactly how and when point A will lead to point B. I always want a map or GPS that gives me a clear list of instructions of where to go and which turns to make. God just does not work that way though. He is the Father and I am the child, and I must depend on him. To believe in the divine providence of God, Liz Curtis Higgs says, is to believe that "God is there, God cares, God rules, and God provides." It doesn’t mean that God will explain His ways or let you in on the plans beforehand. It doesn’t mean that God will consult you and make sure this is what you want. We must trust in His love for us and His amazing knowledge of what is and what is to come. So many things in life do not make sense, but we must lean on His understanding and not our own.
This year it seems that I've been in a valley or desert that doesn't seem to end. I find myself asking God "How much longer?" Today I think I hear Him saying "You'll know when we get there." So God, I guess I will try to quit asking questions and just enjoy the ride. Sometimes the scenery is not so beautiful, but I know that just around the bend, you have something amazing planned. Don’t let me take control; please take me where you want me to go.
