When the Journey Stalls

Recently, while driving south on a long trip, we hit a massive delay.

Traffic slowed to a crawl and then a stop, not because of any obstacles in our own lanes, but as we listened to Radio 2, we learned of an accident on the opposite side of the motorway.

Like many of these moments, it was a reminder of life’s unpredictability.

The delay cost us nearly an hour, and the accident shut down the northbound side for miles.

As frustrating as it was, it reminded us of another incident years ago, driving home from a meeting in Utrecht, headed toward Leidschendam.

That night, there had been an accident on the “snelweg.”

We were far back in the queue and stuck.

Then something unusual happened: people got out of their cars.

Some lit cigarettes. Some chatted. Soon there was large crowds.

I got out to investigate further.

Shortly thereafter, I remember offering brownies from our meeting and spending time talking with total strangers for a while.

There was a kind of spontaneous community born from that unusual moment.

What struck me was how quickly people shifted from isolation (each in their own car, their own world) to connection.

Monic and I have spoken of that event often.

That hour of delay became something meaningful, not because of where we were, but because of how everyone showed up to connect.

It was something we’d never experienced before, nor have again since.

Sometimes life can suddenly bring us to a halt, plans can stall, and our progress stops.

We can get stuck behind a difficult tragedy or trial that comes along.

But in those moments, we can either get upset… or connect, like that day on the Dutch snelweg.

We can either retreat inward or look outward and bless others, even with something as simple as conversation or a brownie.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

We rush through life so fast, but delays remind us to slow down and actually see each other.

Maybe that’s when we’re most able to help carry someone else’s load.

When things stop, don’t just wait. Look around. Who needs you?