Bumpy Road

We just got home from our trip to Teec Nos Pas, AZ where we drove with Melissa to help her move to Immanuel Mission there on the Navajo Reservation. To say the least I was apprehensive of the whole trip. It seemed to be a bumpy road out there before we even got started. I let fear make the bumps and my faith in God's guidance was lacking. What a silly child I was. Yes, the trip was hard - but at the same time it was a beautiful trip filled with blessings and with lessons. Going out we had traffic problems, physical problems and fatique. But we made it - up to the bumpy road. Then when we turned off Hghwy 160 unto Navajo Road 351 we hit the bumpy road. There was 15 miles of washboard and wash out road. (Missionaries told us it was the worst they had seen in 18 years.) All around the road was the beauty of the dessert and the Carrizo Mountain range and even some wandering horses and some scurrying lizards to see. Dave drove Mel's car very carefully and in some places went down into washes one wheel at a time. We followed (Mel driving the van) him and I thought we would never get there. Sometimes we cringed at the bad road and sometimes we laughed as we washboarded and sang, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah with great vibrato. Finally just before dark - and Praise God He got us there before dark - we drove into the mission to waiting loving arms of John and Ruth Bloom. My fears during our stay never materialized. There was not a rattlesnake, black widow spider or scorpion seen the whole time. We made it back too not without other challenges but we are home. Mel is preparing to teach Kindergarten. I am playing on the computer. On the way back I was reading a devotion about God using everything to bring glory to Himself. Even the bumpy road - getting there and back and the last bumpy road in to the mission - DID bring glory to God. The vast design of earth and sky and the way all the details worked out and things that were provided along the way and the safety of the trip were all the hand of God. God tells us that whatever we do in word and deed should be done in the name of Lord. We are to glorify Him in all we do. This trip was a great experience of His glory and how great He is. Rejoice in The Lord - In everything give thanks. Even on bumpy roads.