“If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up somewhere else”
I heard this line in a song and thought “Ha! That’s me!”
For those of you who know me well, you know that I am the very best at getting lost. I admit, I have no sense of direction and can lose my way every time. When I am driving, GPS is my friend and constant companion even though I cause it to “recalculate” often. I have great stories of making a wrong turn, getting back on track and then repeating the same wrong turn. Once, before GPS, I was driving to one of the boys’ away basketball games. I could see the school where the game was to be played, but after many failed attempts I had to call a friend and ask her to guide me in. Oh Yes, “if you don’t know where you are going, you might end up somewhere else” definitely applies to me!
Several Sundays ago, we celebrated Jimmy’s birthday. We drove to Charleston to spend the afternoon in the historic district and have dinner. One of the many things we love about Charleston are the gardens or courtyards that are nestled between and behind the buildings. Along the sidewalk we came across a large wooden gate which was open. It had a plaque indicating it was a public courtyard so we invited ourselves inside. We strolled along the path enjoying the beauty of the oaks, shrubs and benches. We made several turns and found ourselves in a cemetery. This is also one of our favorite things about Charleston…..walking the ancient cemeteries and looking at the grave markers, some dating back to the 1700’s. We continued to wander through the cemetery reading the markers for quite some time when we realized we were now behind a church. As we looked around at our surroundings, we had to chuckle…..we had no idea where we were, what street was before us, how many blocks we had covered. I jokingly said to Jimmy, “This is what happens when you are with me! If you don’t know where you are going, you might end up somewhere else!”
As I think about life, I wonder how often we lose direction…..get off course…..wander aimlessly…..repeat the same wrong turn…..cause our GPS to recalculate…..
As we travel through our lives, are we prayerfully following God’s path and plan for us? If the expectation is for the road to be free of bumps, detours and obstacles then we would be mistaken. Life isn’t promised to be smooth, easy, without conflict or pain. Perhaps that obstacle in your path isn’t really an obstacle…..perhaps it is intended to alter or detour your current path and get you realigned. Perhaps the delay you think you are experiencing isn’t really a delay…..perhaps it is God’s perfect timing needed for your journey. Perhaps the disappointment you are experiencing won’t always be considered a disappointment…..perhaps God’s plan for you promises something new and better. I often visualize God nudging me back on course, realigning my pathway, redirecting my steps…..reminding me of my purpose and my final destination.
If we prayerfully ask God for direction and guidance…..and then take the time to listen…..perhaps we will know with assurance where we are going and might not end up somewhere else.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
