Willie Nelson sings a great song that speaks my reality as I travel by car from city to city. I hear the lyrics “On the road again, I’m so glad to be on the road again.” This catchy hook sets the stage for my road trip preparation to do list.
This trip was a round trip Fort Worth, Texas to Houston, Texas. The drive would be a quick one-day turnaround trip and I would be the sole traveler. Driving for me is not only relaxing, but it gives me ‘quiet’ time to think. Being alone is necessary for moving forward in life. This trip was no different from other journeys since I travel I-45 frequently between the two cities. However, this trip was quite unique. Along the way, I found lots of #TajirisNuggets and revelations for my life. Even more importantly, there were insights for my #NextLevelLiving.
As I drove I noticed road signs. You might think, “Well who wouldn’t notice road signs?” I did see those, but I’m not talking about road signs. I’m talking about confirmation signs for the direction of my #NextLevelLiving. So, if you don’t mind take this imaginative expedition with me and enjoy my pictorial homiletics.
My preparation began the previous night. I stopped for gas so I would not have to stop the next morning. Morning comes and I cruise south on I-45. As I drive I frequently check the dashboard to monitor my speed and any warning lights that may appear. To my surprise, I had used more gas than I intended to use, so I had to refuel. The first revelation came—sometimes you think you have what you need but it’s not enough. You will have to replenish, refuel, or replace what you don’t have with what you need to move you to your destination.
Along the way, I tune into my favorite radio stations to help relax the drive. In my front window, I notice my dream car. I become a bit mesmerized. I imagine myself wearing my stunning Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses coasting down the highways and byways in a well airconditioned black on black Cadillac ATS coupe. Then the second revelation hit me—your dream is right in front of you. You must keep moving. Everything you want is there for you if you stay the course and don’t stop moving forward. I say to myself, “OK, Lord. I hear you.”
About 20 minutes later in my rearview mirror, I see two cars quickly approaching. My instinct was to move out of the way and I did. There was no need to place my precious cargo (i.e. ME!) in harm’s way. My thought was that they needed to get somewhere in a hurry so I was not going to impede their progress. About an hour had passed and I met them again on the road. The third revelation—people may move faster than you and get to the destination faster than you but that doesn’t prevent you from moving forward. You will get to your destination at your own pace. There will also be others on the same road as you but you will leave them behind because they don’t have the courage to move out of their comfort zone and accelerate.
Now two hours into my trip I begin noticing the business developments alongside I-45. Mind you, I’ve taken this trip many many many times, but this time I analyzed the businesses. There were some restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. The fourth revelation—you will have distractions along the way. You may think you want something you see and even think it’s a good idea or has a purpose for the destiny. The businesses were established for someone on a different journey than yours. They will detour and arrive where they need to be, but that is not where you were supposed to stop.
One of the must haves for me is my music. The soundtrack to my destination keeps me focused and in the moment. My favorite stations must have known I was on another road trip. It seemed that every song, at least the titles, had some relevance to my #NextLevelLiving. These are some of the songs that spoke the loudest to me:
Kriss Kross- Jump Jump
Gap Band- Early in the Morning
Notorious B.I.G- Hypnotize
Bonnie Raitt- Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
Black Sheep- You Can Get with This or That
Patrice Rushen- You Remind Me
JayZ –Brush That Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Frankie Beverly and Maze- Joy and Pain
Here’s the musical revelation: I have to jump out of my comfort zone early in the morning to give them something to talk about. I have choices, this or that. [Lord,] You remind me that I have to brush the dirt off my shoulders and there will be joy and pain as I move towards my destiny.
As I pass through downtown I get close to my exit. Upon my exit, I see a 1980 Ford LTD to my left. My first thought was, “I haven’t seen one of those in years!” The exterior had been weather-beaten and looked like it came out of a junkyard. However, the owner had maintained it enough to at least keep the car running. My final revelation—don’t forget where I came from along the journey. I may have had some dings along the way but my exterior does not reflect my heart. After all, the heart is the strongest muscle. It’s the muscle that keeps everything else alive. My circumstances are not who I am at the core. They are just something I have to deal with. It’s my core that keeps me going and transitioning to my #NextLevelLiving.
Whew, this trip was full of eye-opening life-changing images. Things not only became clear but my perspective on the road to success was defined. I can’t wait to get “on the road again!”
I challenge you to look at your journey through different lenses and see what will be revealed to you as you take your next road trip.
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