First Baptist Church of Herndon

Are we there yet?

Linda Soller | Nov 03, 2014

Why does it seem to take so long to get to a destination you are excited to reach? Are we there yet? Coming home always seems to go much faster. I feel certain there is a scientific study somewhere that talks about how our excitement, our anticipation, or our covering of unknown landscapes drags out our trip. When we come home things seem familiar, we relax and stop over thinking the journey. I always loved going to my grandparents’ house in the country. My brother and I enjoyed playing with our cousins, and the atmosphere was comfortable and fun. Our drive, of a little over an hour, seemed like it took forever. By the end of the day we were full of good food and tired from all our play. As much as I hated to leave, the drive went quickly, and before I knew it we were home.

I’ve noticed over the years how different a trip feels to a passenger verses a driver. We have gone to the same beach every summer for more years than I care to admit. As a child it seemed endless, as a parent/passenger it was such a drawn out production, but now as the driver I’ve got to admit it goes faster. This time I think it might have to do with being active in the forward motion of the trip as opposed to passively sitting in the vehicle. Remember, when I was a child we didn’t have much technology in the car to entertain us, although I often found nature interesting! Yes, the familiar question, “Are we there yet?” comes to mind again.

I wonder what Jesus was thinking as He crossed back and forth over the Sea of Galilee? Knowing He had a limited time to accomplish His goal, I can’t help but think He may have been anxious to reach His various destinations. On the other hand He often went out of His way or off the acceptable roads to reach the people He needed to reach. If He had stayed on the main roads He might never have met the woman at the well. What a loss that would have been to the Samaritans. Eventually His journey took Him toward Jerusalem. This last leg of His journey home had to be bittersweet. He understood it was a trip He had to make. He understood that great unpleasantness awaited Him. We can only imagine what was going through His head as He walked down the road, surrounded by loyal followers, greeted at the gate like royalty for the masses. Jesus had covered so many miles on His journey, yet hardly left the small region of his youth. His followers, like passengers in the car, were along for the ride and oblivious to what was waiting for Him in the city. Jesus, the driver, was headed toward His destination with resolve.

Every day we get up and head out on another segment of our journey. Our short term attention may be on the traffic, or the time we reach our job, or when the school bus arrives, or even if our coffee and paper are at hand. Our journeys are varied, no two are alike, and yet there are fundamental similarities. We all want and need to feel safe. Each person hopes to reach a personal goal, no matter how small it may be. We want to feel loved and valued. Some of us are drivers who can make things happen and point others in the right direction. Some are passengers who understand the journey, but are not in a place of control or influence, so we sit and wait. Still others are the children in the back seat who travel with confidence they are safe and protected, even if they can’t read the road signs or plan their own trip just yet. If we all could face the day as the driver, accepting responsibility to get our fellow passengers in life safely to their destination, wouldn’t the world be a better place? Are we there yet?

Have a great week and drive safely!  :o)    Linda