Is It Time For A Spiritual Pit-Stop?
You’re driving along the highway at full speed when you see an exit sign. You may think that you should push on through to the next rest area, but you decide to stop and refuel, as well as purchase a few goodies for the journey ahead. We all know we need to take breaks on a road trip, but wouldn’t it be nice to take a pit stop off the road of life once in a while?
Consider this article your spiritual pit stop for the day. This is your opportunity to stretch out your legs, get organized, refocused, and bring along a few “snacks” for when you get back on the road. Just consider these two simple tips:
1. Remember why you started
We rarely forget where we’re going, but sometimes we forget why. You may be on a road trip to visit your grandmother in order to cheer her up and keep her company, but by the time you get there, you’ve forgotten exactly why you’ve come, and after a quick “hello” you head up to the attic to look back at some of your childhood treasures, or into the garage to fiddle with your old rusty bike. Either way, you’ve just overlooked the opportunity to really fulfill your purpose for the visit.
There are many instances in life’s big projects where we tend to forget why we’ve started. In the grueling years of college, we might wake up one day and think, “Why did I decide to do this to myself?” When we find our dream job, instead of focusing on the passion that first brought us there, we get locked into the day-to-day work flow. Even if things are going well, we might get redirected to new roles and projects that take us far from our original spark of inspiration.
A strong hold on our purpose can help us in times when we’re ready to give up. Take some time to remember the “why”, write it down and keep it somewhere visible so that you can ground yourself in your purpose whenever you need it.
2. Stop and listen…really listen
At your pit stop, don’t forget to ask your passengers how they’re doing and if there’s anything they need. When you go in the store to buy your snack, talk to the cashier—not in the mechanical “Thank you, have a nice day” ritual, but really see them as another human being with whom you’re lucky to get a chance to meet and a minute to talk to. You never know how they can impact your life.
God speaks to us in many unexpected ways, through children, family, and strangers. Find new perspectives, valuable connections and a chance to get out of your own head by taking the time to connect with people in your daily life. Try it out by actively listening to the next person you see and interact with; just empty your head of your own thoughts and let them feel fully heard.
Get back on the road.
Remember that there will be many destinations on the road of life, but life itself is not the destination, it’s the journey. After you’ve checked yourself and refueled, the only thing to do is get back on the road. If the road gets bumpy or you drive into a storm, think back to your goals to remember the “why”, get support from your fellow passengers, and take some comfort knowing that there’s always another pit stop just ahead.