Again, I wrote this last year in 2024, but I needed to hear it again. Funny how we seem to not learn lessons from God the first time? I’m so glad He has grace and mercy for us!

I am completely directionally challenged. I would much rather you tell me to turn at Chick-fil-A and go three blocks and turn left at the yellow brick house, than tell me to go north, southeast, or west.

This makes me quite grateful phones direct me through their maps where to go.

Recently, I attended an event about 40 minutes away and I left giving myself about 15 minutes leeway to be there a little early. As I got closer, I passed the street where I knew the address was because the voice on my phone directed me to keep going straight.

I then turned where the voice told me to and ended up going around and around in circles. Literally.

Finally, I turned back in where the voice said again, and I pulled up next to a family walking to their car. I asked them if they would mind telling me where the location I was looking for was at?

The guy, who was a total gift from God, said, “Oh it’s really just the next property over but because of the one-way streets it’s confusing. You have to go back out, turn left, then take another left and go all the way down to the stop light. Make a U-turn to circle back around and turn right into the location.”

My head slightly spinning, I thanked him immensely and drove those exact directions, landing at the location without a problem.

How often do we do the same with our lives? Instead of listening to the One who knows all, God, we let the noise and the world take us around and around and around in circles?

Where we are confused, frustrated, and possibly overwhelmed. Instead of coming back to God’s word and seeking God’s direction to make our path straight.

I know I am the pot calling the kettle black here. I not only did this with my driving, I did it with my life. Day after day I have to come back and be like, “Alright, I took the long way here God, what direction do you want me to go?”

As we continue in a new year what choice will you make?

Father God,
As we enter a new year, help me to hear You and seek You. May I not listen to the noise of the world, but get into Your Word, Your Truth, and also sit and listen to You. When I do forget, or get stubborn, and take the wrong way, forgive me, and help me to turn back the right way. May this year of my life glorify You in all ways.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

© 2023 Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC. All Rights Reserved.