The road I was on could be anywhere. The shared points of reference included an endless sense of continuing, blue skies, and the landscape on the left and right. Yes, I know yesterday’s road has its unique markers, but it also transported me to moments in New Mexico, France, California, Bali, Western Australia, and many others. Each scene slowed down until all I could see was the view ahead.
I am caught in the reflections, recognising the lessons of yesterday as they play out in the choices today. While your byway and mine will be different, I suspect we share lessons in common.
The time spent traveling on our road will inevitably lead to more and more opportunities to appreciate the ups and downs, successes, and failures. Even with the highlights and wins, I am aware of the moments where I wish I had taken a different decision. Old words echo as my lament; “Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us.” (Romans 3.23). I know I often missed the ideals in my life. I also know Divinity has always been with me, whispering guidance and lifting me up.
Each moment we have is an opportunity to choose and learn. While both are important, I know which comes first. I am called to live. Live fully, abundantly, and with all that I am. It is my primary responsibility. It is my first accountability. While it will rarely be perfect, it will also create an opportunity to learn and grow. This is an essential part of living to the maximum.
Our destinations are determined by the choices we make along the byways of our lives. In living, the process of giving and bringing our values and priorities out in the open will determine what is on our left and right as well as what is ahead.
I look in every direction, experiencing the wonders and beauty. It’s time to ride.