Three weeks ago, I loaded my motorcycle for a weeklong vacation. That was not unusual. I have taken a motorcycle trip every summer for the last 10 years or so. However, several details made this trip feel different.
First, I was going alone. Typically, my brother goes with me, but this summer he had other plans. Second, I was planning to tent every night. This made me a little apprehensive because the weather has been so unsettled recently. Lastly, the most unusual part of the trip was the fact that I did not have a plan.
Typically, I have a destination in mind and, every day, I have something I want to see or explore. If someone asks, “Where are you going?” or “What are you going to do?” I have an answer. This time, though, I had no answers. All I knew was that I was going to Manitoba because I had ridden in every other direction already.
Surprisingly, I did not need to worry at all! Everywhere I went, I found something interesting. From beautiful parks and quaint little towns to historic sites and museums, there was always something interesting just around the next corner. In fact, my favourite memories of the trip were the things that I just happened to stumble across.
One day, I was riding by the Red River and saw a sign that said, “Historic Stone Church”, so I turned down the road. That spot turned out to be one of the most beautiful and peaceful places on the entire journey. The unplanned and unexpected parts of the trip were the most memorable.
Now, I am trying to bring that lesson back to my everyday life. I still want to have a plan for my day, but I also want to make room to enjoy the unexpected parts. I want to learn to see those things as a blessing rather than just as an intrusion. With this mindset, even the most difficult events in our lives can help us grow and become stronger.
We cannot control everything. Fortunately, we can trust the one who is in control.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
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