Morning breaks, and I wipe the gummies from the corners of my eyes. I extend my arms upwards to stretch but quickly drop my left arm in fear of causing some discomfort. I’m healing, but I am not at 100% yet. I don’t mind the “slow” healing even though I know a guy who has raised people from the dead in His lifetime; maybe some time to heal is what I needed.
I rise and go through my morning routine, making my trip to the bathroom to wash the vitamins and oils from my face and get it ready for another application. I opt out of having porridge this morning. I don’t think my Pops was too pleased because he made a large pot; my excuse is I ate late the night before. I know he’ll eat it later, so I’m not worried.
Although prepared for the same, today is different. Departure is on my agenda. I am getting back on the road to Huntsville, Alabama. The same road that tore the skin from my face and decorated my unconscious body with cuts and bruises galore. In my mind are the visions of hospital rooms and the eyes of many pain-filled family and friends.
I am confident I can make this trip. I feel that now is the time for me to go. I am making this trip ALL BY MYSELF. I can do this.
I’ve done this trip a million times minus one. It’s easy. Fourteen hours is child’s play. I am ready to go ALL BY MYSELF.
In my mind, I’m ready, but everyone thinks otherwise. I think they’re trying to infect me with the disease known as fear. I am aware of the dangers but not afraid, cautious but not petrified. Fear and I don’t get along these days.
“I’m leaving now,” I announce my intentions.
“I’ll go with you.” A voice, calm and clear, replies.
“Are you sure?” I reply.
“I’ll go with you.” He repeats.
My father is making it clear that he does not want me to go alone. The memory of his only son lying battered and bruised in a hospital is fresh in his mind. So I agree, and we prepare to leave shortly together.
He sits quietly in the passenger seat, dozing off at times, but is company nonetheless. It was my choice for him to come, and I’m glad he’s here in the car with me. The journey is long and hard, but the comfort of my father beside me puts me at peace. The road is dangerous and filled with potholes, ditches, and memories of the disaster, but I cling to the fact that my father is with me, and because of this, everything will be okay.
Jesus also extends Himself and lets us know He’ll go with us wherever we go. He feels the shock of the potholes we encounter and the ditches we may put ourselves in and recognizes our fear at the countless times we look back on what we’ve been through. He is with us through it all and will guide us if we let Him. We are never unreachable. He lets us know that He wants to be there with us. He will only take the wheel if we allow it.
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
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