Dotted Lines

Life lessons seem to hit at the most unexpected moments; while driving, while watching your child display acts of love and/or kindness…….this one in particular came while driving. Since moving away from my hometown, I’ve spent a lot of time on the road visiting my family. I can’t recall the exact reason the passing lines caught my attention….but they did.

I remember thinking how unfinished dotted lines feel. Incomplete. Knowing there was more ahead that would re-connect again....but in how much time? Yet, those dotted lines allow you to pass, to get to your destination a little faster. Where was I headed? Where did I want to be? Where did I plan on ending? What was I leaving behind that gave evidence of my travels?

I’ve been a lot of places, some of them planned and others found through detours. I’ve passed others, only to find myself at the same destination at the exact same time. Funny how life has us wanting to be in the fast lane only to discover we need to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

Mark 13:33-37

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

We all have running time clocks on our lives, so why do we get caught up in the fast lane? I can’t help but ponder on the last word of verse 37: “Watch!”. Watch. Watch the beauty in a sunrise. Watch joy spread when you take the time to be more intentional with conversations. Watch your relationships grow when you slow down. Watch the world around you become brighter when you start slowing down and soaking in the scenery.