Some of the best lessons in life don’t come from sermons or classrooms. They come from long drives, shared playlists, and unexpected stops along the way. Yesterday, as my family and I drove from Christchurch to Queenstown, I found myself thinking about how much road trips resemble the journey of the soul. Every stretch of road held something to notice: the shimmering blue of Lake Tekapo, the view from Astro Café perched over the water, the quiet pause at a gas station bathroom stop, the children running free in Cromwell, and finally, the tired laughter that greeted us in Queenstown. Life, like a road trip, is not just about the destination. It’s about what happens along the way.
“Life is a journey, not a destination,” said Ralph Waldo Emerson. The road doesn’t just carry us forward; it teaches us how to pay attention, to let detours shape us, and to notice beauty where we least expect it.
The Stops Along the Way
Not every stop on the road is glamorous. Some are breathtaking (like Lake Tekapo), while others are practical (like gas stations and bathroom breaks). Yet, each one matters. Without refueling or resting, we wouldn’t make it to the next place. Spiritually, our lives work the same way. Some seasons feel dazzling, others ordinary, but both are necessary to keep us going.
As Psalm 121:8 reminds us, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Even in the in-between moments, when we’re just passing through, God is guarding the journey. What feels small to us might be exactly where He strengthens us for what’s ahead.
The Atmosphere We Create
I played DJ during the trip, which meant I shaped the soundtrack of the ride. It struck me how much the atmosphere of a car ride can affect everyone inside it. In the same way, the tone we set in our homes, workplaces, or friendships matters deeply. Joy, patience, and kindness can turn a weary road into a meaningful memory.
It’s often said that the atmosphere you carry into a room can either weigh it down or lift it up; choose to be the light. Atmosphere lingers. When we choose peace over tension and gratitude over complaint, we set the tone for what unfolds. The road becomes smoother for everyone riding with us.
The Company We Keep
The best part of the trip wasn’t the scenery, it was being with my family. The silly moments with my grandniece, the shared laughter over food, the comfort of just being together. Road trips are proof that the people we travel with matter more than the miles.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Companionship doubles the joy and halves the weariness. Even when exhaustion creeps in, being surrounded by those we love helps us remember why we’re traveling in the first place.
As the saying goes, life is a journey, and it’s not where you end up but who you travel with that makes it worthwhile. The miles become meaningful when they’re marked by laughter, prayers, and even the unspoken silences shared along the way. Shared journeys deepen bonds in ways nothing else can, reminding us that companionship is one of God’s sweetest gifts.
Soul Insights
1. Every pause has purpose.
The scenic stops and the practical ones both moved the journey forward. In life, even mundane moments can be holy if we recognize God’s presence in them. Our impatience to “arrive” often blinds us to the quiet work He’s already doing.
2. Atmosphere is influence.
Just as a playlist sets the mood in a car, our words and attitudes set the tone in our daily lives. Cultivating joy, gratitude, and peace isn’t about faking happiness—it’s about choosing what spirit we invite into the space around us.
3. Traveling light matters.
On a literal road trip, packing too much slows you down. Spiritually, carrying grudges, fears, or regrets does the same. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28 to “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Learning to let go is part of moving forward.
4. Who we journey with shapes us.
Family, friends, or community can be mirrors, comforters, and companions. Relationships don’t just make the road bearable—they reveal parts of us we wouldn’t discover alone. Choosing wisely who gets a seat in our car is vital.
5. The view changes everything.
At Astro Café, the lake looked different from above, more vast, more stunning. Perspective shifts how we see challenges too. When we rise above the immediate and see through God’s eyes, we realize the road is not just about survival but about shaping us for eternity.
Final Thoughts
Life rarely unfolds as a straight, smooth highway. It’s filled with winding turns, unexpected stops, and sometimes a breathtaking view that takes us by surprise. What I learned on the way to Queenstown is this: the road is not an interruption to life—it is life. God writes lessons in gas station pauses just as much as He does in mountaintop moments. The key is to stay awake to it.
And here’s the comfort: you don’t have to drive the whole journey alone. Isaiah 58:11 promises, “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” Whether you’re in a dazzling stop or a weary stretch, He’s with you, guiding each mile.
Your Turn
Take a moment this week to reflect on your own “road trip moments.” What were your Lake Tekapos—those breathtaking sights that reminded you of God’s beauty? What were your gas station stops—those seemingly mundane moments that carried hidden strength? Write them down. Share them with a friend. Let your journey become a testimony, not just a destination.
Soul Path Insights 
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