"It may be said with a degree of assurance that not everything that meets the eye is as it appears to be." 

~Rod Serling    

Episode 9:

What Lies Ahead? 

(www.ambassadorsforJesus5.com)

     As Dan drove out of the city, he breathed a sigh of relief. Within the last few months conferences, proposals, and deadlines had consumed his life. Not to mention, an immense stack of homework to stay on top of his game. Working in overdrive had become second nature and he looked forward to this vacation in the country where he could shed it all away.

     ‘What a rat race!” he exclaimed to himself as he drove beyond the city limits. Only then did he feel comfortable enough to lean his head against the headrest.  Then peering through his rearview mirror, the city lights all behind him now, the tension in his muscles ffffiiinnnally started to unwind. 

     Smooth jazz sounds had been streaming through his radio and now filled the silence around him. While he listened to “The Rippingtons” play “Moonlighting”, he thought to himself, ‘This is one moonlighting venue I could get used to.’ It was soothing to his soul and he looked forward to what lay ahead.

     The drive was longer than he had anticipated but Dan did not mind. It gave him plenty of time to flush out the city life he had left behind.  On long drives the continuous view of nothing but nature used to bore him, but now it was his delight.  This time he welcomed its tranquility as if it were a long, lost friend. 

     The Fall Season had just arrived. In the city it was lost in the buzz around it and just another day on the calendar.  Yet here it had made a grand entrance with its spectacular display. Trees were adorned with leaves exhibiting their gorgeous colors and Dan took his hands off the steering wheel just long enough to give it a well deserved applaud. Their limbs leaned forward in the cool breeze as if acknowledging his pleasure and taking a bow. “You're very welcome.” he replied and let out a carefree, hearty laugh.

     Twilight then arrived overshadowing the scene, but even this he took in stride. Instead, he set his sights on the stars and moon as they took over the show.  

     Ahead a stream of lights caught his attention, drawing him from his thoughts. They grew brighter as they came closer and Dan recognized them as the headlights of another car. Focusing on the road ahead he was set on staying within the boundaries of his lane. ‘Concentrate.’ he thought to himself as the other driver nearly blinded him by turning on his high beam lights.

     “What a careless and dangerous move!” he continued on as he struggled to see the road ahead.  Then as the car passed by him, from his open window the driver shouted, “Pig!!!” with such passion that it distorted his face.

     Startled once again by this unexpected turn of events Dan nearly swerved off the road. “How rude!” he yelled as he felt tension returning with a vengeance.

     Dialoguing with himself he thought it shameful that such stupidity exist, I mean for real, the guy didn’t even know him. Who was he to judge him? Was their no end to arrogant people even out of the city?

     Then once again his thoughts were interrupted as he crashed into a pig.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not lean on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will direct your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6