Now that I’ve “officially” completed my late year journey, it’s time to figure out the next step. It’s one of the questions just about everyone asks me, and, of course, my family has been making their respective pitches for why I should settle down either with them or near them. That’s five real choices — Coastal South Carolina, Southern Kentucky,  Northwest Ohio, Upstate New York, and Suburban Massachusetts. And there is always the draw of the Maine Highlands.

I’m pretty sure I won’t be moving in with any of my children. They have lives — and they don’t need me hanging around. I’m quite capable of entertaining myself.

Truth is, I’m not sure what’s next on the adventure. I had intended to do a Route 1/Atlantic Coast trip, but a pesky think like finances kept getting in the way. At some point, I may revisit the plan, either as I initially outlined it or somewhat scaled back. I still would like to do some speaking — perhaps preaching — and I definitely want to get back to some regular writing routines.

At the outset, I had determined the trip would be serendipitous. I turned it over to the Lord. Thus far, He hasn’t answered, although I do know He has a plan. He always has a plan.

Knowing I do have an annual, routine doctor’s appointment in Maine mid-month, I decided the next leg of the journey will be reversing my trip in smaller chunks. Thus I’ll stay here in South Carolina for a few more days, then head to Kentucky, Ohio — with a detour to Indiana for a night — New York, and Massachusetts. That will set me up for an overnight trip to Maine.

The agenda will give me a few more weeks in the car, where I can let the mind wander and see where the Spirit leads me. Who knows?  Maybe the Lord just wants me to do a little traveling and visiting and observing His presence in everyday life. And I’m good with that.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. — Les Brown