Yesterday, I had another one of those adventures of being lost. My little GPS wasn’t able to find the exact address I had entered so I set it to point in the direction of the closest intersection of the highway. As I neared the stop sign it directed me to turn right, which I obeyed. But as I journeyed through the slightly familiar country landscape, I had a sneaky suspicion that I needed to be going the other direction. So I whipped up in a drive way and headed back the opposite direction all the while my GPS sternly telling me to turn around when possible.
The farther I got up the road, I thought maybe when I turned right I was going in the right direction after all. After traveling a few miles that way, I decided to obey and head back the other way. As I headed back I saw places I had already passed but now I was seeing it for the second time because I didn’t trust my guide. Instead I had a bright idea that my location was in the opposite direction. Nervously I kept driving and wouldn’t you know my sister (who I was suppose to be meeting) was there waiting and wondering what had taken me soooo long. Of course she wasn’t surprise to hear that once again I had been lost.
Today’s devotion over at Proverbs 31 titled Our Thoughts Have Wheels brought to mind how my own little directionally-challenged mind had me wasting time headed in the wrong direction instead of heeding the voice of the GPS (yes I know those handy machines can have you in the wrong place from time to time as well). But that machine had access to information that I did not. Even though I had passed through the area I was going before my mental images of the layout was incorrect.
Our thoughts are powerful and need our navigation. If we allow them to run rampant in negative directions, focusing on things that lead us away from God’s perspective, we will eventually end up stressed out – from the inside out. –Tracie Miles/Proverbs 31
In much the say manner, the way I picture what a friend really meant by what they said is often wrong. Times when I think I should be engaging in certain activities is wrong. My rehashing certain conversations drives me on a course of anger and frustration. Constantly questioning why some relationships ended or why particular events happen leads me along paths of despair and worry. Although I can not change what has happened or what was said, I can choose what to focus my attention. We can’t always stop those wandering thoughts from popping in our head but we can choose where we allow them to steer us.
photo credit: Shine20 via photopincc
What Other’s Are Sharing
- Ten Ways To Know Your GPS Is Trying To Kill You (accordingtohoyt.com)
- GPS shoes for the directionally-challenged (holykaw.alltop.com)
Lord, Wanda, I’m laughing and crying at the same time. I’ve lived in the same city for more than 20 years, AND STILL GET LOST. And I usually end up lost when I think I don’t need directions (though my history says I do). Help us, Lord! Help us, Lord! May you glide through this week, Wanda, with focus and faith in God’s direction. I’ll be trying to do the same.
I know I hang my head in shame at my utter lack of direction 🙂 However I don’t feel too bad since I have come across others that suffer from my same malady.
Thanks. I’ve been trying not to do this. Usually when I anguish over what something meant, like you said, I find out that I’m wrong. I’m being challenged right now–that is, the thing I asked for is connected to someone who is acting like a complete @ss–but I think this is less about him/us than it is about me trusting that everything will be all right. Perhaps this is part of HIS process.
I think you summed it up perfectly Elizabeth. Most of our matters no matter how they come packaged boiled down to a matter of trust.
Hi! Wanda…I am laughing over here as I was reading your message…Now I am laughing at myself because it sound just as me when it comes to finding directions. I have a GPS on my phone and don’t use it. Anyway I like this what you shared…because it is so true…Trust…I didn’t trust it that is the truth…I think if Im going to get lost let it be me and not because of a machine. But you are so right, they really do give direction me listening to my daughter who uses her’s and others I know of as well. I just need to get into start using mine and start tusting…Right??? Love you and thanks for sharing. Enjoy your day… Love you! 🙂
Hi Sister Betty, trust me after I reached my destination I laughed at myself as well. Although it doesn’t feel so good when you’re in the midst of trying to navigate your way. I really do love my GPS and I don’t like leaving on a trip without it.
Very good post Wanda and very applicable to me today. How easy it is for me to ignore the warnings from the Holy Spirit advising me that I am heading down a wrong direction.
Thanks Susan. We have always have that option not to heed the leading of the Holy Spirit but our trips are often shorter and without as many bruises when we listen.