Winding around the bends of the lakeshore highway, Walter and I are making our way to our next destination.  Tall evergreen trees are laden with heavy snow frosting.  The Kootenay Lake plays peek-a-boo as we drive along its curving edges.  

I glance at the clock display on the dash of our truck - the time shows 3:00 pm and the ferry we are hoping to ride leaves at 3:40!  Will we make it?

I keep my eyes straight ahead, keeping watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic.  Walter is gripping the steering wheel, expertly manoevering each curve.  The sign reads 14 km to the Kootenay Bay ferry crossing.  Surely we will make it on time.  But the minutes tick by and at only 40-50 km/hour, it seems to take forever.

Finally we arrive to a small line up just as the ferry is approaching the dock.  Whew!  

The ferry ride is pleasant and smooth, only 35 minutes across the lake.  When we disembark, we see the sign for the hot springs.  Not long now.

It was only 4:30 but with the cloudy sky and towering mountains, we find ourselves driving in late afternoon darkness.  More winding road, a few impatient drivers who drive way too fast and come up too close behind us.  Walter slows and drives into a pullout and lets the speedy little car pass.  We carry on to see a sign warning of a steep downhill grade.  

And there it is.  The little community of Ainsworth, BC.  We turn at the hotel/restaurant and the sign for the Hot Springs Pool/Caves!  We pull up to the lobby entrance and Walter leaves me in the truck while he checks to see if they have any rooms.

Another couple in history had a long journey to make.  There were curves in their trail, obstacles to their itinerary.  They may have had different scenery surrounding them - desert terrain - and more rustic mode of travel - donkey?  They, too, were seeking a destination.

I have often tried to put myself in Mary's shoes as I think of the biblical account of Jesus' birth.  Was she stressed?  Was she suffering and uncomfortable, being advanced in her pregnancy?  Was Joseph confident as he navigated their way to Bethlehem?  Did the days drag on?  Did darkness seem to settle in over them?

But unlike Mary's experience, I am blessed to rent a room at the inn we found.

Sometimes I need to take note of the everyday details of Jesus' unceremonious coming, the humble and inconvenient circumstances His mother endured.

Lord, thank You for helping me see the perspective of Mary's journey as we trust You on ours.