Back on Track

“It’s way at the other end of this track. Practically out of the station.” The helpful man said in rapid fire Italian as he dramatically pointed down the train track.

My daughter, Ellie, and I quickly thanked him and started to SPRINT! Our suitcases and our dignity were dragging on the ground behind us.

He wasn’t kidding. It was a gasping hike from where we had been waiting, wondering why the darn train wasn’t showing up.

Alas we saw it…as it pulled away from the station.

(Insert dramatic music.)

Defeated and stunned, I immediately burst into tears.

That train was going to take us from Rome to Isernia, the small town in Italy where my mom was born. We had been in Rome for a chorus festival for Ellie, and we had super limited time in Isernia. The next direct train didn’t leave for many hours, so this mistake would cost us valuable moments visiting with family and touring the sacred streets of our ancestors.

I was a mess and I could not pull myself together.

I’m certainly not always unshakable and perfectly composed, but this total meltdown was unusual. And Ellie wasn’t quite sure what to do with me.

After giving me a little space, she eventually spoke up. “I know you’re frustrated,” she said. “But there’s nothing we can do about that train. It happened. Now we just have to figure out what to do next. Maybe there are other options. C’mon…it’ll be an adventure.”

Thankfully, she is a lot like her dad and often serves as my voice of reason!

It took me a while to stop the emotional spinning, invite Jesus into the chaos, and put one foot in front of the other. But once I did we were back on track…literally.

Ah how I needed that reminder to ditch the rear-view mirror and look straight ahead. To just keep going right from where I was. To create a new plan and make the most of it.

I’m certain the next time I’m hit with a detour, big or small, I will remember that day and the choice I had—stand still on the platform in tears or figure out a way to move forward.

It’s a sure thing that life won’t always go according to plan. But through prayer and perseverance, we can find our way home.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Dust off and get up. –wise words on a Halls Vitamin C wrapper:)

Ps. In case you’re wondering…it all worked out for our trip to Isernia! There was indeed another option with a scenic transfer to another station, and we arrived only a couple hours later than scheduled. It was unforgettable to explore the quaint streets from stories often shared through tears of nostalgia by my beloved grandparents. And what a gift to visit with family there. Worth the wait. Next time I’ll know where the train is!