A peaceful drive along a country road, ah, how calming! The interstate was another scenario for me and it wasn’t a pleasant one. Driving, not an issue. Traffic, not an issue, but that on ramp would terrify me….yep, I was the one sitting there with cars behind me honking to hurry up into the path of those ongoing, barreling down the highway, cars and 18-wheelers. However, I really didn’t have to worry about that fear too much; my husband loved to drive and rarely relinquished the captain’s seat. Sadly, he passed away at a young age. Determination to not be stagnant but to be able to take my boys on trips was paramount. Guess what? I did it. Suddenly, I was queen of the on ramp entry. Yea me!

Next issue, longer drives tended to make me sleepy. The road after a few hours lulled me into yawning. Solution: my mother became my copilot. She lived with us and loved to getaway, so graciously sat next to me, opening water bottles, passing over the grapes, or opening gum wrappers. I was so proud of winning over the on ramp terrors and now chatting with my copilot, the drowsy issue no longer plagued me. Look out interstate, here I come!

But wait….my dear mother passed away in 2010 and what was I going to do without her in my life AND without my copilot. My boys and families were, at this point in our lives, four hours north of me. My new husband worked and I was determined that I was going to make the solo trip to visit my kids. Rolling up the on ramp was no problem. Merging into the traffic, I had this! A four hour drive loomed ahead of me when the spirit within stirred. I just love our Lord. He knows before we even ask what our needs are and mine was to not have the road lull me into a drowsy state. Literally, I reached across to the passenger seat, took God’s hand, welcomed Him on board and knew that He was with me through lane changes, crazy drivers, miscellaneous road debris and my constant companion. What a blessing! Of course, He had always been with me, but faced with a new hurdle, I was now able to chat with a friend who lives within. The comfort, the peace was palpable. Shake hands with our heavenly Father; He is that close. Know the Holy Spirit abides in you and the love is totally unconditional.

Jill