Why Take the Back Roads | Finding Faith in the Journey

Why Take the Back Roads | Finding Faith in the Journey

by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Adventures

Why Take the Back Roads | Finding Faith in the Journey

Dear Henry,

Why do I take the Back Roads?

The “Take the Back Roads” philosophy began more than twenty-five years ago, with what started as a religious argument.

Argument might be too strong a word; what was really happening was that someone was trying to convince me that their religion was correct. They used this analogy:

“If you knew you were going to heaven, wouldn’t you want to be on the fastest highway possible?”

Their belief was that their faith provided the quickest and most direct route to paradise.

I said no.

"The longest way round is the shortest way home."

-C.S. Lewis

If heaven were guaranteed at the end of the journey, why wouldn’t I want to take my time getting there?

The path to heaven isn’t meant to be a superhighway that we race down, focused only on the destination. The ultimate meaning of life is to live it, fully, presently, curiously.

And, of course, forty-two.

The Parable of the Vineyard Workers, found in Matthew 20:1-16, expresses this meaning the best.

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving."

-Lao Tzu

In the story, a vineyard owner hires workers at different times throughout the day, yet at sunset, each receives the same pay, one denarius. Those who toiled all day are angry; it doesn’t seem fair that the latecomers earn the same reward. The denarius, symbolizing eternal life, is given freely to all. And yes, that means heaven will be filled with souls we might not think deserve to be there. Scripture makes that clear.

But what many overlook is the invitation itself. We are invited to work in the vineyard, to take part in God’s creative vision and to help cultivate it. The regret should not belong to those who worked all day, but to those who barely stepped into the field before the day was done. The true joy isn’t in the denarius, but in being part of the garden while we have the chance.

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

-John 10:10

Our time here is meant for seeing, for(2) creating, for(2) loving, for(2) working, for(2) exploring, for(2) truly being. Life itself is a gift, and every day is an invitation to savor it.

So, why do I take the back roads? Because I don’t want to miss the vineyard for the highway. I want to see every curve, meet every stranger, and stand in awe of every little miracle tucked between the miles. The road is the reward, and I intend to enjoy the journey.

xoxo a.d. elliott

PS - There is a YouTube! Check it out here: https://youtu.be/Pbhn81RWKZw

*The road I travel now began the day the world changed — the moment that slowed me down and taught me to see.

You can read that story here: The Day the World Changed.*

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

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