Treasures Lie On Unexpected Roads

Years ago, my wife Becky and I took my 94-year-old father on a driving trip. I had a ministry appointment in Durango, Colorado. One of my father's favorite places in the world is Durango, Colorado. He likes the narrow-gauge steam-powered train ride from Durango to Silverton and back. He was always mentally sharp and ready for an adventure. So, I took my father and my wife, Becky, who is the road trip queen. 

Off we went on a five-day adventure, combining ministry and pleasure, visiting my cousin in Mancos, Colorado, and staying at the famous Strater Hotel in Durango. Dad wanted to ride the narrow-gauge railroad in Durango. I think he was hoping he could shovel coal into the steam-powered locomotive. Anything was possible for him around trains and locomotives.

When we arrived in Durango, the train was closed due to a large forest fire north of the city. The city was covered with smoke. The forest fire was burning on the route that the steam train took. Alas, our plans were dashed as far as the train. We had to adjust. We went fly-fishing on the Dolores River. But something was missing. 

Knowing my father was suffering from ‘adventure expectation disappointment syndrome,’ I decided to do something unexpected. Rather than take the usual drive back to Phoenix, we would take some 'roads less traveled' there. I opened the roadmap and looked at the options. Then I found what I hoped would be the perfect adventure. I said, "Let’s take the roads less traveled through the Navajo Nation back to Phoenix. We have never been that way before. This road trip will be a grand adventure." My wife and father were thinking, “Houston, we have a problem.” Or maybe “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”

Becky and my father reluctantly agreed. So off we went into the great unknown, at least for us. We drove to Shiprock, New Mexico. Then it went south to Indian Road #13, which headed west through western New Mexico into Arizona, ending in Chinle, Arizona. My father and Becky were not amused. They were wondering if #13 was a sign of our future.

However, what we discovered along the way was the highlight of the whole trip. As we drove into Arizona, we stopped at an outpost named Red Rock. There was even a gas station with food. My passengers were encouraged by this. I fueled our rented Rav 4, just in case. As we climbed higher, the sandstone landscape gave way to cedar trees. Ahead was a large mountain covered with pine trees, and our road ascended it. 

My father was stunned. Born in Phoenix in 1924, he has been in Arizona his whole life. He had no knowledge of high mountains in this part of Arizona. It was beautiful. A spring of water flowed from one ledge along the two-lane paved road. The road ascended to 7200 feet. The mountaintop is 9,685 feet high. There was cool air, amazing views, pine trees, green grass, and water. To top it off, the descent was a 14-degree downgrade with hairpin turns. This road was the best part of the trip for Dad. This road less traveled was occupying unused brain cells in his 94-year-old brain. He was totally engaged in this unexpected delight. What an experience! 

The mountain we ascended creates the watershed for Canyon de Chelly National Park. We finished the journey on Highway #13 by traveling along the north edge of Canyon de Chelly and arriving in Chinle. But wait, there’s more. We didn’t want to take the most direct route back to Phoenix, so we took other, less-traveled roads. With Becky as our navigator, our route through the Navajo Nation took us from Highways 13, 12, 64, 191, 15, 6, and 77, ending up in Holbrook, Arizona. Then, for more adventure, we took the road from Holbrook to Heber and then visited the OW Ranch on the way home.

What’s the lesson here? What starts as a disappointment or problem can transport us to places, people, things, and events that can elevate us. Treasures lie on unexpected roads. Treasure hunts encourage openness to detours, as they are frequently where the best treasures in life are found. 

Here are some thoughts from others about unexpected treasures. "The wrong turn can be the right one, leading to unique experiences, such as discovering forgotten places, meeting unexpected people, or finding new perspectives that a strict itinerary would miss. Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations because the challenges themselves cultivate resilience, adaptability, and wisdom, transforming the traveler. Embracing the uncertainty of a new, unplanned road allows for personal transformation, as the treasures are the lessons learned along the way.”

Jesus took the roads less traveled. He could have called myriads of angels and not gone to the cross. He could have done His own thing. Instead, He said, "You and I are worth dying for." He followed the Navigator and the road map. He did what the father asked him to do, shocking as it was. Jesus came to the large crevice, took the cross he was carrying, put it over the deep crevice of eternal life and death, climbed over it, and built a highway for us from earth to heaven. Why? Jesus knew treasures like you, and I lie on unexpected roads. 

Maybe your present distress is for your future best.