HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY JOURNEY.

When taking our six children on interstate holidays, we and they sometimes dreaded the long distances. They always asked the questions: ‘How far will we go? How long will we take? When will we get there?’

To forestall boredom or discontent, I devised the plan of encouraging each one in turn to keep Dad informed of the distance to the next town. Between towns two children counted the posts at the left side of the road. When we reached the town, they changed over, so another called the distance to the following town.

Two counted red cars coming from the opposite direction, varying the colour each 100 kms ( 62.5 miles ).

After several hours, we imagined pictures in the clouds, with much laughter at the other’s ingenuity and imagination. We followed that by composing hilarious, and often creative, phrases from the letters on car number plates. Eg FEW 943 could translate to ‘feeling exceptionally well.’

I was often surprised how contented they remained as we reached one town at a time, and eventually our destination. But the journey needed a plan for a trip and successful arrival. Often it was 450 miles to family in Melbourne; and 950 to our dear ones in Sydney. Of course, we always commenced the journey with prayer, committing our safety to God, and the driving care of Dad.

Life is a journey, which may seem long and daunting. We may ask the questions, ’What does the future hold.’? ’How long shall I be here?’ ‘What is my final destination?’

Thankfully, we can be sure that God has provided adequate plans to answer those questions. As we faced one town at a time with the children, so we live one day at a time. With God’s help we face today’s needs and problems, and trust for strength, wisdom and patience to survive the future, without worry, and your strength will equal your days.

Even in days of recession, count your blessings, and thank God for His love.

As to our destination, God suitably provided this through the Lord Jesus Christ, who said, ‘In My Father’s house ( heaven ) are many homes…. I go to prepare a place for you.’ ( John14:2)

Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, His rising from the dead, and ascension to heaven prepared us for our objective. There He waits to receive all, who by faith in Him, daily journey to that final goal.

Just recently a dear friend suffering painful cancer, and knowing that her earthly journey would soon end, said, ‘ I excitedly anticipate entering my heavenly home, and seeing the Lord Jesus Christ, my beloved Saviour.’

Two days later, we received news that she had arrived safely at her final destination.

GWENDA