Clearing the Causeway

I have just watched the movie "The Secret of Roan Inish" so I am thinking with an Irish accent. It might help if you try to read this with one too. The Irish are ones for signs. Things don't happen merely by coincidence. There is always a Greater force at work. So with that in mind I also I'll tell you of my drive to Chincoteague, Virginia during hurricane Ernesto.

I left at 2pm later than planned by nearly 2 hours. The first hour was a breeze. As I was just leaving Dover, Delaware the half-way point my friend Carrie called to say the road to Chincoteague was flooded out by the storm and high tide. It may be a few hours before its clear. I was glad I had left late. It was up to me to turn around and face Labor Day/Rush hour traffic or risk having to get a hotel near to Chincoteague if the road remained closed over night. My gut said, "keep going" and so I did. I am trying to learn to trust my gut.

I held on tightly to the steering wheel for the wind and rain were driving hard. Above any other foods I was craving a grilled Reuben and since I might have time to kill I decided to go with my gut on this as well. Rather than stop at a fast food place I choose Friendlys. I sat by myself and it was ok. The wind was really whipping the rain around by the time I finished eating, but I pressed on. When I turned on to the road that leads to Chincoteague the storm had begun to subside and so did the traffic. It seemed to be at a standstill but sometimes I would move forward. I eventually figured out that cars were turning around or pulling into the corner stores and pizza shop. I saw RVs sitting in the parking lots and kids riding their bikes in the light rain. I finally decided to to turn off my engine -as did many others.

So what was the hold up? The road was closed. I knew it might be and knowing that was a comfort to me. After about an hour, Carrie called again to check on me and to let me know her husband had called the police and they said the road was being cleared of debris and I found out from a lady walking by with a pizza that it would be 2 hours more. 2 more hours I can handle that all right. The problem has been identified and the blockage is being removed. "Ahh," I says to God, "you are trying to show me something aren't you now?" God and I spent a nice bit of quiet time watching people walk to the store in the rain while I journaled what he wanted me glean from this here spiritual/object lesson.

I am blocked from more than just Chincoteague Island. Something has been standing in my way for years, keeping me just minutes or a few miles from what I want. But I have identified the blockage. Knowing what it is a comfort as well. I know the road is being cleared. I know that! In just a little while now I will be well on my way down a road cleared of debris. And I am excited to see what will happen once the blockage is completely removed.

Just as I was starting to really need a bathroom, I noticed a murmur on the streets. Lights were turning on and cars were stirring. I sprung into action as well -a half hour earlier than expected, an unexpected blessing... especially to my bladder. I arrived moments later (after 10 pm) to a house relieved to see me at long last (4 hours late). I might add they had no electricity either.

I fell into bed, kind of amazed at how God spoke to me through the blocked Causeway to Chincoteague Island and how this relates to the emotional blockages that have kept closed a certain path that He is now helping me to clear.

So I wait for the lights to go ... for that's how I'll know the Causeway has been cleared and will be able to reach what has been just out of reach.