The Road Less Traveled

Traveling has become one of my favorite pastimes. There is nothing more exciting than going to new places, meeting new people, and embracing a new culture. Whether our travels are national or international, the impact left on the heart tends to be an unforgettable one. Recently however, I have decided to travel throughout my own area more. I have a tendency to think that in order to explore and seek new adventures that I have to leave my hometown. I could have never been more wrong. As I focus more on what new experiences I can have within my hometown, I am noticing that there are a plethora of adventures to be had right under my nose. I live in a place full of great people, great fun, and the best of them all … great food.

Often times in life, we have a tendency to unintentionally ignore many great things that God has placed right in front of us. We think that going elsewhere means that we are guaranteed a great experience, happiness, or whatever else it is that we are in search of. This is a detrimental mindset and could lead to us missing out on many of the blessings that God has in store for us.

“You're blessed when you stay on course,    walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;    you walk straight along the road he set.” (Psalm 119: 1-3 MSG) 

God has us exactly where we are on purpose. Explore the endless opportunities that this state has to offer. When we do this, we master our present and unknowingly are being prepared for the future. Everything that is planted in front of us are tools that God has perfectly hand-picked to help us grow in both in Him and life. Don't overlook them! They will help us a great deal along our journey and sometimes paying attention to them can result in a life-changing encounter.

”Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: “This is the right road. Walk down this road.” (Isaiah 30:21 MSG)

Traveling is a great opportunity to explore all of God’s work, but don't overlook the current place that He has you in. Explore all of your opportunities there first and it could lead you right into the place that you desire to be!

At the end of the day, wherever you go, make sure you take God with you. 

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.