Devotional: Are We There Yet?

So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. Proverbs 2:20

Every person who has ever traveled with a child has heard, "Are we there yet"  And after the first dozen or so times, the answer is almost always preceeded by a sighn and what feels like a recorded answer: "Not yet, Why don't you take a nap, so the time will go by faster?"

My children were always excited to go anywhere that involved packing their little purple "I Love Grandma" suitcases and loading up the car with snacks and coloring books.  They were generally pretty good for the first hour or so.  However, it didn't take long before we started hearing noise from the backseat - little voices whining, "Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" "I'm tired," "Tell daddy to drive faster," or "Why is it taking so long Mommy?  Are we lost?"

No, we weren't there; it would be another 4, 6, or 8 hours.  I often said, "Daddy can't drive faster because he's already going the speed limit" and "No, we're not lost."

Since most of our trips were to one of the grandparents' houses or our favorite beach in Florida, we knew the way.  As long as we stayed on the familiar roads, there was no problem in getting there.  We knew that if we took a detour, we might get lost, so we rarely did that.

Every destination has its own path- some extremely popular and others not so crowded.  The times in my life that I've followed the enticements of the not-so righteous target, I've quickly learned that the fun is short-lived.  After the part was over and everyone was gone, a sad, often listless feeling overwhelmed me.  The popular path may look shiny and pretty, but beneath the very thin surace, I've discovered slippery mud and quicksand. 

Sometimes when things get rough, I wonder why I'm "not there yet."  Then there are times when I'm offered little tidbits and signs that help to keep me focused on Him.  Getting there is going to be amazing, but the journey is necessary and should be appreciated. 

Fortunately for all sinners, God is ready to welcome us as the best earthly father should welcome his child.  Are we there yet?  Not yet, but I know that my journey down this solid path is much  more rewarding than any created by my sinful nature. 

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for always welcoming me back after I stray.  I pray that You'll be with me as I try to stay focused on Your Word, regardless of how tempting it is to stray.  Amen.