A Tough Uncertainty leads to the Promises of the Open Road

The stock market lost over 600 points today and over 1100 in the last few days. Who knows what will happen at this juncture, hopefully things will level out for all. Nevertheless, the uncertainty has created a mix of nervousness and panic. The best way to handle this, at least for myself, is to hit the road and ponder past road trips.

Whenever I hit the road, no matter what the circumstances are, I feel a sense of purpose and renewal. While the situation still exists, the thought of moving in my automobile to an unknown destination provides hope and an opportunity to see where God wants me to go. The first time I experienced this was in 2007 when I was frustrated with everything in my life. What did I do, got into my vehicle and drove four hours and forty-five minutes to Shreveport, LA. I took US 59 to Marshall, TX, connected with I-20 and headed east.

I did not stop until I reached the Texas Street Bridge in Shreveport. I got out at the Boardwalk and looked for a place to eat. While I was starving,I thought eating at an outdoor mall was not my cup of tea, so I got back in the car. At which point, I headed back via US 79 through Carthage. After an hour, hunger set in and I stopped at a Fuddruckers off Business 59 in Nacogdoches.

I got back to Houston and went shopping then came home. While I was tired, I felt like I got my worries out of me, through exploring the unknown, I gave myself a chance to renew my batteries. I learned that with God by my side I can deal with anything thrown my way.

Another test occurred in 2008. I was feeling lost in my life and went to the Historic Roads Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico to make new contacts and come back to Duke City, a place I thoroughly enjoyed visiting in 2005. Ultimately however, riding down Route 66 was the answer. This time my faith was paid off.

While I was away, back in Houston, Hurricane Ike wreacked havoc on the Bayou City. As a result, my flight back was delayed two days, but I was provided with a chance to further explore the Mother Road.

The next day I headed east towards Tucumcari, but something told me to stop by Moriarty. I drove down 66 until I reached the Interstate 40 entrance. As I turned around heading towards Duke City, I stopped at the Sunset Motel. I figured, I have nothing to lose, so I went in and asked about the motel. After talking to Mr. Kirk Pouge, one of the people in charge, I rode back to my motel in Albuquerque and began writing about the experience. A couple of months later, Route 66 magazine accepted my piece on the Sunset.

As a result, my career focus became much clearer. I continue to be very thankful that God gave me that extra time in the region and to enable me see what He wanted to show me. As I got back to Houston, a new confidence took over my life.

As I sit here planning my next drive to Fort Worth where I will meet my girlfriend, I pray everyone makes it through this crisis. Please remember, as long as there is a road to drive on or dream about, everything will be alright.