Unexpected Delays as Progress

Melissa Logsdon – September 15, 2026 6 Comments

Recently, Steve and I took a 500 mile road trip from Central IL to Knoxville, TN. This is an estimated 7-8 hour drive. We didn’t want to push ourselves too hard; so we figured it would take us closer to 9 hours with all the stops for food, fuel, and bathroom breaks. What we DIDN’T expect was for it to take us closer to 12 hours!

Here’s how we “accomplished” this:

• We decided we wanted to stay on interstates over highways, but since it’s summertime, that inevitably means plenty of road construction delays.
• I wanted to make sure that every 90-120 miles there were good exit options (read: close-to-the-off ramp CLEAN restrooms, like at a Love’s truck stop or perhaps, if lucky enough, a Buc-ee’s (if you know, you know)). 
• About an hour into the drive, I asked Steve where his clothes were at? Yep, he had left them behind and only had part of his items…so we needed to find a good stop and go clothes shopping. We then decided we might as well have a nice sit down lunch since we were already off the road. (That was over an hour break from the drive!)
• There WAS a Buc-ee’s on our route (Steve’s first time to experience this phenomenon…which took another hour!)
• We were just about 30 minutes from our hotel when Steve mentioned that one of his co-worker’s parents lived close by and thought it would be fun if we stopped by and said hello. Yep, we showed up unannounced and introduced ourselves. (It ended up being a really lovely visit with them. They just adopted us right away! It blew both them and his buddy away that we took the time to meet them).

Before we began our trip, we decided the goal wasn’t about getting to our destination as quickly as possible, but rather, to enjoy the journey. I think this mindset helped us be more positive about the delays we experienced, AND seek out opportunities right in front of us! 

When I got home I got to chatting with a neighbor who had just come from visiting his parents in Knoxville. He went a different route AND got there in about 8 hours! But, he admitted, there was a 3 hour stretch with no decent restroom stops, and especially not a Buc-ee’s! He was traveling the road just to get to where he was going—as fast as he could.

Steve and I discussed this and we agreed: we don’t regret taking the time for the stops along the way. Looking back, Steve got some much needed clothing, we ate at some of our favorite restaurants that we don’t have near home, got to have some unique experiences and lots of time just together, and meet some great people! 

This got me to thinking about all the delays I’ve been experiencing on my journey as I deal with health issues. How can these lessons apply to my situation? Do I see opportunities to connect and perhaps even unexpected joys in the midst of a very long and difficult journey? 

Looking back over the past 6 weeks, it’s all a bit fuzzy already…kind of like how a dream starts to fade the longer you are awake. But, let me just say: IT TOOK ME OUT. 

Frustrations and disappointments abounded. 

The complex nature of the conditions my body deals with became overwhelming when I hit this setback. How easily I could lose hard-fought-for healing and progress. Not to mention, ALL THE TIME spent on medical care! (17 days in August (including 4 days at the hospital) with nearly as many scheduled in September.) 

I felt so upset about feeling like life was moving on without me as I lay in bed in pain without end. 

Prayer came to be more of a place of dwelling than words uttered.

And Yet…

During that time, I had opportunities to encourage various staff at the hospital, my doctors have been coming up with some new ideas on managing the various symptoms, and I got to visit a dear friend that happened to be at the same research hospital.

I think there is still more that I will see as I look back, and maybe, perhaps more importantly, a new perspective on how I look at the unavoidable “delays” yet ahead.

Psalm 40 has always resonated with me, and right now, even more so (this version is from Nan C. Merrill’s Psalms for Praying). 

“I waited patiently for the Beloved,

who heard my cry and came to me. 

Love raised me from the pits of despair,

out of confusion and fear,

and set my feet upon a rock,

making my steps secure. 

My heart affirms my surrender;

in the Book of Life it is written:

“I abandon myself into your hands,

for I love You and wish only to create with You,

O my Beloved;

For You are the Life of my life forever.” 

I tell the glad news of Love’s way to all who will listen.

Yes, I raise my voice, with praise and acclamation.

I tell of Love’s saving grace within my heart,

I speak of Love’s faithfulness and healing power.” 

–Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor