Sometimes, a closed door is a good thing.

After leaving the Grand Canyon, I knew I had to face something I had dreaded for a long time—the Mojave Desert. My goal was to push through and make it to Sequoia National Park. I wasn’t staying inside the park but planned to camp in the nearby valley. Relief washed over me as I left the desert behind and entered the valley. I thought I was safe from the desert sun.

But I was wrong.

It was evening, and the temperature wasn’t going down. In the Mojave, the high had been 107°F. But here, just outside Sequoia, it was 109°F—and the forecast showed no relief overnight. I pulled into a strangely familiar gas station to think. It looked just like one I’d stopped at last year with three of my adult children, making a similar decision. Once again, I had to let go of my plan.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” —Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

I couldn’t sleep safely in those conditions, and I couldn’t get a campsite inside the park. So I turned west and headed for the Pacific Coast, hoping for cooler temperatures and a place to rest.

The temperature dropped. But every place I tried to stay was full. By 10 p.m., out of desperation, I pulled into a Motel 6. It was clean. No bedbugs. I stayed. But I felt defeated. Doors were closing. My plan was unraveling. I didn’t know then what God was about to show me.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

The next morning, I woke up at the southern end of Route 1—the start of the Pacific Coast Highway. I’d found a state park while lying in bed and booked three nights there. I began the drive north, stunned by the beauty before me. One overlook after another revealed dramatic cliffs, wild waves crashing below, and rocky coastlines shaped by time and tide. God had something better in store.

At Hearst San Simeon Campground, I learned a hard but healing lesson: I’ve missed out on so much joy because I’ve craved instant gratification. I’ve wanted things my way, in my timing.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” —Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

But sometimes, not getting what we want is the very grace of God. There’s wisdom and peace that come with patience.

I spent hours sitting at overlooks, soaking in the dynamic beauty of God’s creation. I watched elephant seals fight—and one, I’m pretty sure, tried to talk to me (I coughed, and he responded). I collected stones from the beach—simple, colorful rocks that suddenly looked like precious gems. Ordinary nature became extraordinary.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” —Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)

God turned what felt like a detour into a divine appointment.

Reflection Question

Have you ever experienced a closed door that turned out to be a gift in disguise?

Scripture for Meditation

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” —Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

A Prayer for the Journey

Lord, thank You for the doors You close and the paths You redirect. Help me to trust that when things don’t go my way, it may be because You are leading me to something far better. Teach me patience, and open my eyes to the treasures You place along the road I didn’t plan to take. Amen.