Are you a passenger princess? One of those people who does day trips in style? With the snacks, water bottles, playlists downloaded and the car find games all ready in separated little zip lock baggies for each of the kids? Or do you get in and hope there’s gas enough to get you there? I must admit, on any given day I could be either one of those people. This weekend, the hubby and I had a Saturday to ourselves, so we spent most of it in the car. We ran a lot of errands, picking up this and that, stopping to look at a few spots (including a church sale where I thrifted some great stuff… but that’s a different story). Around here, in order to get pretty much anywhere, you need a reliable vehicle. I have become a passenger princess most times.

It’s a funny thing, driving. Do we take it for granted? Do we remember it is a privilege which not everyone enjoys? Do we take advantage of the tools we have? I think most of us rely on our GPS now. I know I certainly do. Then again, I was one of those “print out the full map instructions before you go” people back in the day, too. I like to know where I am going and what the roads are like and how long it’s going to take to get there… then I can plan those snacks accordingly! 🙂 Our youngest is learning how to drive and she so hopes for the independence soon. Not that she may ever get the car… but, you know, hopes and dreams. I’m discovering I’ve forgotten a lot of the “rules” as she learns… can you change lanes in a roundabout? How many demerit points in not forcing a passenger to wear their seat belt?

Out here, there are a lot of different vehicles on the roads: cars, a whole lotta trucks, ATV’s and giant farm vehicles that go oh so slow (especially when you get behind them on your way to church!). I think driving is not only a valuable skill to have, but gives you so much more things to learn… patience for example. I lived in the city my entire life… but in less than a year, I have discovered city traffic is very stressful! There is something precious about taking your time. There is also something I noticed here that is not always possible in the crowded city. Emergency vehicles are much more respected. The rule is to move as far to the side of the road as you can in order to let the emergency vehicles passage… not always possible on a six lane highway packed with cars; but on two lanes, most times you have the chance to pull over and stop or significantly slow down. I always say a quick prayer for those involved, as we’ve needed an ambulance on occasion. My heart aches for the uncertainty of the “victims”. When you are aware, you have more time to think about it.

And then there are the other things that share the road. It’s time for snapping turtles to lay eggs… and we met our first one digging around in the gravel road preparing her nest the other day. There are several warnings around the lake to watch out for wildlife. I’m yet to meet a bear, but the hubby met several deer a while ago… which, in turn, forced us to buy a new vehicle. (Also another story for another time…). Foxes, stray dogs, skunks, many a squirrel or chipmunk, the odd cow or chicken crossing the road. The farmers are the slowest ones, though. Patience.

Many times, I have tagged a mittonmusing post as “faith journey” or “spiritual journey” related, because so often my musings and thoughts revolve around this journey we are all on. The ebb and flow of the road we travel, the people we meet, the hills and valleys we travel along and the times we need to slow down and pray for those around us. It really is similar to a day trip in the car. Are you prepared with snack and games for the journey? Which really means: have you planned?! Do you have a final destination in mind? Do you know where you will end up? I trust you do. And I encourage you to talk to someone if you’re unsure. Eternity is a long time to be unsure about.

There is a local road nearby which dips and climbs along huge ski hills. As you reach the top, you have a fabulous view of the rolling hills below: farmers fields in deep hues of green and golden brown, country homes dotted here and there. Depending on when you travel, the sky may be lit with all kinds of colours of a summer sunset or clear blue reflecting the lake if you look that direction. I love it when I get to go that way… especially when I am alone and can see where I am going… usually the highway far far ahead is visible, and I prepare for more traffic, less patience and a lot more cars travelling with me. It’s a “side street” that gets me to where I need to be, and even though it takes me a little longer, I often choose it simply for the pleasure of the drive. The garden center/farmers market is also there … which usually delays me further, but patience, right? We are all learning patience.

So as you take your road trips this summer, or make that daily commute to work, or attend that one more meeting, I encourage you to plan ahead and take in a side street… simply for the reflective view. Take your time to pray for those on the journey with you who need you to move over to the side sometimes and give them passage. Enjoy the scenery. Avoid the hazards. Be aware. Look toward your destination and be prepared. Sing along to the radio and bring all the good snacks. Travelling blessings, my passenger princesses!