Route 66

Sixty-six. I do not feel this old but I guess most people wonder incredulously at the passage of time. Most days I do not feel like I am in the last third (or quarter) of my life but statistics would confirm that reality. Additionally, I believe that the older you are, the more important it is to not act your age.  Age is inevitable.

Since I am turning 66, I was prompted into thinking about one of the most nostalgic roads, Route 66, a slice of American history. It used to be the busiest road in the United States from 1926 to 1985, with its route from Santa Monica, CA to Chicago, IL. It has been decommissioned for 40 years, almost as long as it was in use, and yet its position in US history is strong.

I have been on both ends of this celebrated road and on several other sections in between. I think that driving down the highway of life is a bit like the magic of this iconic road with its wide skies, dusty roads and open landscapes, dotted with unique and kitschy restaurants, motels and other one-of-a-kind tourist sites. Life’s highway is also full of big moments and small, dark corners and wide bends, unforeseen adventures and rest stops, and unique landscapes and people along the way. And sometimes, just like driving by an old neighborhood, a trip down memory lane is good for the soul.

Even though I have no plans for a road trip retracing this famously memorable route of Americana, there are adventures I can imagine that would be instructive and fun, if I was to take the journey, in part because of the many other road trips I have lived. I know by experience that there are similar lessons on the road of life and I have learned several important things along my travels in life over 66 years. I hope to see many more things and enjoy many new adventures as I continue my trip, but I will share a few things I have discovered thus far.

When traveling, in no particular order, I would encourage the following:

1. Always take a map. Not all who wander are lost and yet having a map gives additional freedom when wandering. Like Route 66, life sometimes has no signage and it veers off into forgotten places, so keeping sight of the big picture is necessary.
2. God is the same wherever you are. He is a constant companion.
3. Watch for your perspective to change – just as a landscape flattens, and the sky and road grow as the towns shrink, life does that too. The miles/years give distance to see things from another vantage point, even when the questions asked are not answered or the issues raised resolved.
4. Try something new – Be spontaneous- Every beginning is difficult but often new experiences become the best moments in life. Courage, dear heart.
5. Take time to enjoy the journey. It’s not just about the destination; the road becomes a companion. In my life, when I have noticed, the journey itself offers space to think, quiet margins and incredible opportunities to learn and to laugh. It is the opportunity to realize all aloong the way I am growing and changing as I get closer to home.
6. Share the adventure – send a postcard – I guess that is what I am doing in this post – letting others know how I am doing and offering insights into how I navigated thus far.
7. Make new friends. Hospitality is a two way street and people, when you get up close, can often be more kind and generous that one could ever hope!
8. Be grateful. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to make much of Jesus. Life is a joyful journey. Enjoy the ride. Look for the blessings!
9. Anticipate the side trips, the car trouble, inclement weather and recognize that there will be hard days. Don’t be surprised. Never forget that change is the air we breathe. Expect them and that God’s grace will be enough.
10. Pay attention – Embrace the good days and learn from the tough ones
11. Eat when you can, stretch often and don’t always move so fast.
12. Moments to make yourself at home. A child of God is always at home in the Lord. When we learn to “practice the presence of God,” as Brother Lawrence used to say, we have learned the secret to being at home anywhere.
13. Some days you just travel, but every day God can use you. In Christopher Columbus’ journal one entry was found on multiple pages: “We sailed on.” You don’t discover the new world every day! Some days you just sail on. Every day is not exciting and adventurous. Many days are mundane, but even on those days God is working on you and can work through you.
14. Don’t isolate yourself. Take advantage of any moment to be with your friends and family even if it takes effort.
15. Work towards your future beyond this part of the journey.

There are specific stories I could share for every one of these points – ask if you want to know more! Here is to another road trip around the sun.