I’ve found it’s not a matter of ‘if’ but rather ‘when’ for something going sideways on a family trip. Even for journeys that we’ve made many times, inevitably something doesn’t go according to plan. Car trouble, physical ailments, relational conflict, or problematic weather are just a few examples of common disruptors.

Even the Holy Family experienced similar unforeseen challenges. (Where’s Jesus? I thought he was with you?!) In this season of Advent, we see the ultimate family trip disruption as Mary and Joseph have no place to give birth to Jesus in Bethlehem. I can’t imagine. Joseph thought things were going according to plan. Neither he nor Mary despair though. They continue to trust God will provide for them. They never would have planned to deliver Jesus in a cave, but God knew that’s what needed to happen.

What a powerful reminder for us—even when things look totally different than what we would have preferred, the Lord has a plan and a way to bring good out of it. So, let’s not be surprised when life takes some interesting twists and turns but continue to express faith and confidence in the Lord’s providence and thereby experience his peace…even if the kids get car sick.