DAY 2
5:00am comes much earlier in South Dakota than it does at home. I certainly am not used to Mountain Time. The rain storm calmed the high temperatures and it was 66 degrees out while I sat on the porch and enjoyed God's beautiful creation.
We were greeted by Dave. He had been out bright and early in his Honda checking on all of the cattle as well as for any smoke that he may see. They have had such a dry summer that any time a storm blows through the area like it did last night, the chance of a fire starting from lightening is very high.
Phil went to the "bomb shelter" to retrieve our rental vehicle. Remember in my last post found here I promised that I would share photos of the shelter we used for our vehicle to keep it safe from the hail. I know some of you have been up late at night wondering what in the world such a shelter could look like...so now you no longer have to wait anymore. Seriously though, it is so common to have areas underground like this and by the end of our 2nd day in this area, I completely understand why!
It seriously was pretty cool and it kept our Chevy Equinox nice and dent free.
Driving from Nebraska (where our cabin was) to South Dakota (where we did everything) I realized that I really am not used to being able to see so many miles ahead. As Phil and I cruised down the road at 70-75 mph, the sun was shining, the sun roof was open and we had worship music blaring through the speakers. It was a glorious morning of worship, even though we were unable to be at church.
As we were driving I took this photo.
Several miles later we were looking at this. And when I say several I mean 37 miles later.
And as we continued to drive the same area I had been staring at for over an hour looked like this. It was at this moment I realized that I truly have lived a much more sheltered life than I ever thought. I honestly had never been some place where you could see so far ahead and as we got closer and closer the scenery looked completely different.
You know, it is kind of like our life. So many times I look ahead at my schedule and I think I have the clearest view of what is going to happen. I mean, it is all planned out and everything is clear and concise on paper. And as time goes on and we get closer and closer the planning and "scenery" starts to change shape and look. This used to throw me into a tailspin. What was I going to do? How am I handle this or that?
However, just like when we were traveling toward these hills in South Dakota, we had to keep going. I wasn't able to tell Phil, "STOP! We can't go any farther. This is all I can take." Just like our life we just keep traveling and traveling and traveling and before you know it you are passed that scene in life and ready for the next scene of life, whatever that may look like.
Every single one of us will experience highs and lows in our life. Every single one of us will look at a situation and see one thing and then all of a sudden that scenery will change.
What happens to you when the scene changes? Does your life crumble down around you? Do you have a hope that not matter what is thrown at you you can persevere? It may not be smooth strait paths, but there is something in you that helps you to know that everything will be okay.
I am reminded of a little wall hanging that is at my kitchen window. It says:
"I may no know what the future holds
But I know who holds the future"
What does your scenery look like right now? Take some time to loosen the grip of the wheel and allow God to direct you down the road. It may not be smooth sailing, but I can assure you that He is the one who holes the future and has a much clearer picture of the final scenery than you or I could ever have.
~Misti~
Very good post!
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