I just returned home after an eight-hour drive today from Missouri where I visited my mother.  I drove down to see her on Friday.  This was my first visit since my father passed away in March.  We had a nice reunion and some good conversation.

Before I left Friday I had a few friends tell me, as they often do, that I am crazy for all the driving I do.  I suppose for most folks, it looks that way.  While even a two-hour drive may be loathsome and cause tired tushes for some, I don’t think twice about taking an eight to twelve hour road trip or even going across country.  I’m fortunate that my wife enjoys a good road trip, also, but every now and then it’s a welcome respite to spend hours behind the wheel alone.  I think the introvert in me appreciates that time for recharging.

Last Monday I met with a group of men and we discussed this morning’s Gospel, Mk 6:30-34  relating to the apostles return from their mission of preaching in the nearby villages.  As we went around the table sharing what the Word was saying to each of us, my reflection focused on verse 31, “Jesus said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’”  Jesus knew they needed some downtime without distractions, and He knows we need it, too.  He calls us each day to spend time alone with Him, at least 20 minutes in prayer, in solitude and silence, meditating on His Word, and listening to His will for us that day.

As I began my drive on Friday, that conversation bubbled up and it struck me that this is exactly why I love a solitary road trip – to “Come away” by myself with Him!  I’m in the desert for hours at a time, in a silent retreat, no music or podcasts, with just me driving and Jesus in the passenger seat navigating me through life.  It truly is a relaxing few hours where I tell Him what’s on my mind and then listen to His response. 

He brings to mind past sins about which I’m not too proud; reveals to me my predominant faults; and helps me see ways to grow in virtue.  We converse about my relationships, with whom I need to be more charitable, and how I should love others the way they deserve to be loved.  And, we brainstorm ways in which I can evangelize, proclaiming the Kingdom, so that I might bring others to know Him and receive His love.

But even in this peaceful time, the Enemy still puts a few potholes in my path.  About half way into my eight hour drive on Friday, I received a phone call from the repair shop with their estimate of over two thousand dollars to repair my lawn mower.  I told them I needed some time to consider if it was worth it.  I got a little anxious for a few minutes, but then I thought, “I’m not going to let them steal my peace!  This business can wait until Monday”, and then got back into my silent retreat.

Then today, I stopped at a rest area and checked a couple text messages I’d received from siblings, flabbergasted over today’s news regarding the political presidential race.  Exiting out of them, I thought, “I’m not getting pulled into this and let it steal my peace, either!  It can wait until November when I can vote and do the only thing there is for me to do other than pray.”  And, I got back on the highway with my co-pilot.

I made it home after dark, unloaded my truck, put things away, took the trash cans to the street, and still had enough energy to jot down these thoughts.  I feel rested and ready to get back to work tomorrow creating ways to build an evangelizing culture in our parish.

“Lord Jesus, I so enjoyed our time together this weekend!  Thank You for traveling with me, keeping me safe, and drawing me closer to You.  Thank you for inviting me to “Come away with You”, and for the grace to say, “Yes!”.  Thank you for the time with my mother, and for our conversations reminiscing about Dad.  Amen.”

(Road Trip Reflections:  “Come Away with Me”, was first published on the blog Reflections of a Lay Catholic)

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