middle of nowhere

This summer I've done a lot of traveling.  Driving from place to place is a strange to me at times.  I can step into a car somewhere familiar and when I step out I am somewhere completely new.  Every good road trip involves certain things, road signs counting down the miles left, quality music playing throughout the car, and friends to share it with. However, the beginning and ending are not what I am thankful for, it is that middle point, the point of no return.

On every road trip there is that point where you have gone so far that you know you aren't going to turn back, you've taken that step and the only option is to continue on to your destination.  It is a settling feeling, knowing that old place is long gone and you are on your way, along with a feeling of excitement, knowing that you will soon be at your destination, a new place.

Moving to the city about a month ago has brought me to this place and the Lord is teaching me to be thankful in that middle place.  I have left my old home, what I knew, heading to a new home, what is unknown.  I don't mean a new place physically like a town or city, but a new life, a new calling, a new purpose, not different but refined.

I am not sure what that new place is going to look like.  I have ideas that the Lord is given me before I left, however I know I have not arrived there yet. I am in the middle of nowhere surrounded by miles ahead and miles behind. As I look out the car window I see signs telling me I am closer with each and every step I take, however I am still traveling.  And traveling is what I am meant to be doing, working my way down the road, continuing to move.

Although I am far from the beginning and far from the end, the Lord is there with me, in the signs, in the music, in the friends.  For that I am thankful in this place of nowhere.  In the middle of nowhere, exactly where I am supposed to be.