Dear Family of St John’s
Do you remember a TV programme called Going Nowhere Slowly? It was a South African series that followed a group of travellers as they explored Southern Africa in an old car, documenting their adventures and the diverse cultures and landscapes they encountered. The show was known for its unscripted nature and focus on showcasing lesser-known regions and unique characters. It first aired in 2005 and ran for seven seasons. I loved seeing the places they stopped – many I’d never heard of – and the characters they met.
This is how my husband and I enjoy travelling. I’m sure I’ve shared this before. We’ll make time for a road trip and pick a direction. Since we’re here in PE, South hasn’t been an option! So, we’ll decide we’re heading North, for example. Then, we decide how long we want to travel on that particular day, this will determine where we’ll spend the night. We then book accommodation – online options make this so easy nowadays. And then we explore whatever little spot we land up in – the old churches, museums, antique shops, coffee shops, whatever is on offer. It’s amazing what you find in the most ‘random’ places.
And then, we’ll repeat the process for the next stage of the journey – pick a direction, drive time, accommodation and go.
I’m normally the navigator, and my husband the driver. The address is plugged into the navigation system and off we go. I keep track on the way to see if there are any detours we might like to make. But, I like to use the navigation to assist, because I’m not terribly good with directions.
Well, a few weeks ago I set off to St Francis with Heather P & Channae to deliver some goodies ahead of our Confirmation Camp. I had the address plugged in and we arrived where we needed to be. On the way back, I decided not to use the navigation. I mean, I’ve driven back to PE from St Francis a hundred times!
However, I didn’t factor in my lack of concentration when engaged in interesting conversation with my fellow travellers. The first inkling that I’d completely sailed past the PE turnoff was when we encountered our first Stop ‘n Go. Something sparked in my head – but we were still chatting away merrily. It was only when we hit more roadworks and I asked if we’d passed them on our way to St Francis, that we all realised we were on a different route. I think Heather P may have noticed something earlier, but probably wouldn’t have been able to get a word in amongst all the chatter.
At this point there was much hysterical laughter, I asked the navigation to lead us back home and we started getting directions. We came home from St Francis… via Hankey! Although it was a scenic route, it certainly added to our drive time.
Sometimes our faith journey is a little like that. We think we know the way, we set out with confidence, we get caught up in the distractions and conversations of life – and before we know it, we’ve missed the turnoff. But here’s the grace: even when we veer off course, we’re not lost. God, our faithful Navigator, is always with us. All we need to do is call on Him – and He will gently redirect us.
Even the detours can be places of learning and growth. They slow us down, help us notice different things, deepen our trust, and often bring unexpected beauty. And we’re never travelling alone. Having people around us who love, guide and support us makes the journey that much richer – whether we’re right on track or winding our way back through Hankey.
o, if you feel like your journey of faith has taken a wrong turn lately – or maybe you’re just unsure of the road ahead – don’t lose heart. God is still with you. Ask Him to guide you. Let your church family walk with you. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
With love on the journey, your friend and rector,
Claire