Road Trip
Posted on Feb 03, 2021 by Lynn Ross
Do you remember your first day in driver’s ed? Someone in my class came with advice from their mom that to stay in the center of the lane, keep the hood ornament lined up with the stripe on the right side of the road. (There was a bit more space between the driver and the front end of the car back then). I remember quite clearly the lecture that followed about looking down the road when driving, that we cannot focus on the patch of road we’re on; we need to look for what’s ahead.
As I’ve gained experience behind the wheel, I’ve learned the value of the rearview mirror. It helps me to see what’s in my blind spot and appreciate where I’ve been. The information from the dashboard and speed limit signs keep me safe. The GPS makes sure I know the way. I frequently look to all of these things, but my eyes always return to the view ahead.
Salem has been traveling along a tough patch: limited visibility, twisty road, with cliffs on either side. I think the weather and the road are improving, and now is a good time to take a breath and look a little further ahead.
We are getting close to calling a pastor, which will feels like the start of something new. We need to remember, a call is not hiring a new driver; it is an invitation to join us on the journey. A pastor will be a seasoned traveler who is good at reading maps and knows the cleanest rest areas, but also a fellow traveler. We will continue to share the driving, to pitch in for gas, and make space for new friends who want to travel with us.
So grab your souvenirs and car snacks, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s set out on the next leg of our journey with our eyes on the road ahead.
Lynn Ross
Church Council Member