Travel is an intimate companion.
Together—travel and I—racked up a million miles on one airline, most likely a million miles on the joint use of other airlines, wore out over a dozen cars, and driven a gazillion miles in rent cars.
In the company of travel, I camped under the stars, stayed in a few luxurious hotel rooms, and spent countless nights in low budget hotels.
In route, we ate multiple times my weight in fast food and at the tables of restaurants.
I am weary from travel.
There is only one trip left on my proverbial “bucket list.”
With great anticipation, I look forward to my trip to God’s restored garden.
More than any other trip of the past, I want to plan well for the journey. I find it somewhat comical to think I can plan for a trip that is completely in God’s control and in His timing.
There is no date on the calendar for me to record my designated depart time. I cannot select the airport. All I know for certain—I will depart from somewhere on God’s earth.
Here is how I would describe the steps in my travel prep.
- God placed my soul under the care of my parents. They took seriously the responsibility entrusted to them.
- Then the day arrived. With the speed of the flip of a light switch, the reality hit me. I was now responsible for the care of my own soul. As time passed, my destiny moved from the influence of my parents to the decisions made in my own heart.
- I still remember the week when I made the decision, “I’m in.” On the first day of the following week, I entered into a covenant with Jesus by following Him into His death, burial, and resurrection, within the waters of baptism.
- Since that day with highs and lows, mistakes and victories, my attempt is to follow the king.
- Although—not being the brightest bulb in the room—I can see with age and reduced stamina my body is in decline.
- With each day, reality sharpens. Departure nears.
- I find myself at a reflective stage. I spend more time thinking about the important. At the same time, I feel a certain amount of frustration that I still must use time on responsibilities that are a part of earthly living but lack ultimate significance.
- In preparation for travel, I am attempting to know God at a deeper level. I feel the urgency to help others focus more of their lives on reality. Earth is to enjoy but it is a tragic mistake to attempt to do so without knowing God. Without God, I can mistakenly perceive life on earth as reality.
- As life is winding down, my major responsibilities and opportunities are for my wife, my daughter and son-in-law, my granddaughter, and my father-in-law. I want to spend time with them and do whatever is within my power to bless their lives.
- I want to continue to simplify my life.
- I don’t want to focus on the journey to the point of not being useful to God on earth. I trust God to send assignments my way until departure time.
- While waiting for departure, I am still working on “God Speak.” Like other foreign language, I struggle with this one. On this one, I have an ace up my sleeve. Once in the garden, transformed into His likeness, I will speak it like a pro.
Until then—I will continue to pack and prepare.
Stay tuned. – Gary J. Sorrells
P.S. While waiting for God to call my final flight, I plan to enjoy peach ice cream, spicy enchiladas, and good coffee. Oh yes, there is also baseball, hamburgers, and good books.
