While vacationing in LA earlier this month, my husband Adam and I set out for Zuma Beach using Google Maps. Using his iPhone, we sent up a signal and dropped a pin at our current location, then keyed in Zuma Beach, and our journey began.
Turns out Google Maps gives you the most direct route possible from one location to another. In almost all cases, I’ll bet direct equals expedient. But, not on this day. Our course went over a steep mountain and through a tremendous valley, on roads wound tighter than a small girl’s braids. We covered some serious pavement for about an hour, and most often when we looked forwards or backwards, the road disappeared quickly around a bend.
I’m finding it is like that with God. Just when I think I’m on the expedient road, it’s really a bit of a workout moving around the fiercest of bends. Sometimes, I feel the need to pull over to rest my legs, ponder where I’ve been, and enjoy the amazing view. Other times, I look ahead and wonder where the road will lead. On the best of days, I’m full speed ahead, taking on the turns with white knuckles and daring resolve.
I happened to be in the driver’s seat on this particular day. After 60+ minutes of turns that looked in hindsight like complete U-turns (something I am relatively familiar with, both in driving and life), I was both glad to reach the sand and sad to leave behind an unforgettable drive.
If you asked me the way to Zuma, I’d send you on this course in a heartbeat. It’s not expedient, but there is something to be learned in the occasional ”direct” route.
