A couple of weeks ago, on my way to work, I had one of those moments that made me stop and wonder.

It was about 6:30am. I was driving along, not really thinking about much at all, when suddenly my car seemed to be pulled towards the verge. Almost at the exact same moment, a low loader truck came around the bend on my side of the road.

My first thought was, “Jesus, take the wheel.” (Love you Carrie Underwood)

My second was, “Goodness me… when the Holy Spirit decides to make Himself known in your life, He doesn’t tend to be subtle.”

I said thanks and carried on with my day, which was busy enough that I didn’t think much more about it.

Then, on the drive home, my mind wandered—as it often does—to faith, calling, and what the future might hold. I found myself reflecting on how my faith might shape the road ahead and whether I am truly following where God is leading.

There were lots of road closures on the country roads, so I was using Google Maps to get home. It instructed me to turn right, so I did. A few moments later I realised I didn’t recognise the road. As I turned around in a farm entrance, something caught my eye.

A large bird of prey was standing in the middle of the road. I think it may have been a kestrel. It was massive and awe-inspiring.

For a few magical moments we simply looked at one another.

Then it flew away.

I got back onto the road I was supposed to be on and continued my journey home.

As I drove, I found myself thinking about the story of Balaam and his donkey (Numbers 22). Three times the donkey refused to continue because it could see an angel blocking the road ahead. Balaam couldn’t see what the donkey could see and became frustrated. Only later did God open his eyes to understand what had been happening.

I’m not suggesting there was an angel standing in the road that morning. But the story raises an important question: how often does God guide us in ways we fail to recognise at the time?

We tend to assume that divine guidance will be obvious, yet Scripture often shows God working through interruptions, detours, and unexpected circumstances. What feels like an inconvenience in the moment may, in hindsight, prove to have been protection, redirection, or instruction.

Faith is not always about certainty. Often it is about discernment—the willingness to pay attention and remain open to God’s leading, even when it comes in forms we do not expect.

Perhaps the Holy Spirit speaks through dramatic moments. Perhaps He speaks through quiet ones. Either way, the challenge is the same: to notice.

Since opening my heart to Christ, I have become increasingly aware of these moments. Whether they are extraordinary acts of guidance or simply reminders of God’s presence, they encourage me to look more carefully at the path before me.

Maybe God was protecting me that morning.

Maybe He was teaching me something that evening.

Or maybe He was simply reminding me that I never travel alone.

Whatever the reason, I’m paying attention.

-Laura