I found myself in a deep conversation with a homeless woman after a busy day of travel and meetings. I wanted to get back to my hotel, but this encounter required me to apply the brakes and place God front and center. I’m glad I did because for that thirty minutes, I experienced the joy of having shifted my focus from my tightly wound world to something much bigger and God-centered.
I exercised patience and compassion that I didn’t realize I had after a busy day. I suddenly felt perfectly in step with God, and I realized I wanted to do this more often. It occurred to me that establishing a spiritual focus for each of my trips would not only bring deeper meaning to my travel, but also multiply opportunities to minister on future journeys while drawing me closer to God as I set my heart and mind on Him.
My first conscious attempt at doing this was choosing to serve those who served me along the path on an upcoming trip. Road Warriors are constantly served while away. I ended up in conversations I would never have had, and it helped me establish a God-centered mindset. I was not without failure and found myself hitting reset. But with prayer and focus, my time away became an opportunity to grow and reflect God.
Try starting your trip with a spiritual focus. For example, take one of the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5 (patience, kindness, gentleness) and include this goal in your day-1 prayer. Or pick a YouVersion Bible Plan for the trip that is consistent with your focus (such as EA McQuitty’s Toolbox Plan in this Road Warrior’s Series). If you do, you’ll not only draw closer to God while away by setting your heart and mind on Him, but also impact lives positively on the trip. Then download about it upon your return
Scripture:
Colossians 3:
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Galatians 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.