A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps. [Proverbs 16:9 (GW)]

Sometimes, there are unexpected deviations in life’s journey and God takes us on alternate routes. Perhaps there is a mission for us to accomplish or a lesson that needs to be learned before returning to the original plan. Give us, O Lord, thankful hearts for the tasks and learning opportunities you give us on these unexpected routes.

I suspect, however, that sometimes we’re sent the roundabout way simply so you can show us some hidden beauty that we might have missed had we kept to our original schedule and route. Help us, O Lord, to see and enjoy the scenery in all of life’s detours.