On the Road Again

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. – Psalm 121:8

A lot of people get a glossy look in our eyes when we say, “I really want to do more traveling.”  We may be referring to our retirement or our bucket list or just a long vacation, the kind that doesn’t wear off the day we get home.

Here are a half dozen truths about traveling. 

The first is odd. Many of us travel a lot and find that when we are away all we want to do is get home, and when we are home all we want to do is get away.

Secondly, if you have a passport or a driver’s license, give them a kiss this morning. Just for fun. Being documented has many advantages and privileges.

Third, imagine what it is like to be forced into travel—by gangs or domestic violence—and then find yourself standing in Mexico with a group of people toward whom hatred is continuously blasted. 

Fourth, if the word privilege nags you, work to become someone who guards the going outs and comings in of all people. Build economies not walls. Don’t make fun of borders. Ask what is needed there.

Fifth, learn how to be happy in the middle place, the place of daily settle, where you aren’t going out and you aren’t coming in. You have arrived.

Finally, acknowledge the promise that God always travels alongside, on the road and at home, at the border and while waiting to cross.

Prayer

For the reluctant traveler and the joyous one, O God, we pray. Thank you for being a road warrior.

About the Author
Donna Schaper is Senior Minister at Judson Memorial Church in New York City. Her most recent book is I Heart Frances: Letters to the Pope from an Unlikely Admirer.