Saturday, March 7, 2009

KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING?


The day finally arrives. The day you have planned for and dreamed about for months; the adventure of a lifetime. Your luggage is packed, the car has received an oil change, the tires have been checked and the gas tank is full. You get behind the wheel, turn the key, back to the end of the driveway and sit there because you can’t decide whether to turn left or right! I cannot even imagine this scenario occurring in my life. Look back at the second line, it includes the words “planned” and “for months.” My husband teasingly tells me that I have to plan to be spontaneous. I am a planner, a list maker, a checker and re-checker. For a conference, last year, I created a spreadsheet to coordinate my wardrobe. I had a column for Tops, Bottoms, Shoes and Accessories. They could be sorted, matched and highlighted as I packed. I loved it and I am convinced that there is market for this piece of software!!!

Now before you begin thinking that I am obsessive, I have forgotten a thing or two and had to make a quick stop for underwear at Wal-Mart; no that was Steve. Ok, I had to call the hotel desk for a toothbrush; that was Steve, too. I know, once I forgot my grocery list, fortunately, bread and milk were easy to remember. In case you hadn’t noticed I’m not very impulsive. I have never started a vacation without a map or a Garmin (love it), hotel confirmation numbers, and a list of activities for each day. I like to know where I am and where I will be when I arrive.

With this in mind, you can understand why this commercial on investing spoke to me. The quote at the end of the commercial stated, “You can’t start this journey without knowing where you’re going.” With my obsessive, detail-oriented life, I cannot imagine going through life with no clue as to where I am heading. However, I talk with so many people who move through life in total confusion, not knowing whether they should turn left or right. Maybe they have never started on their faith journey because there not sure where it will take them.

Over 40 years ago, I chose my final destination and the planning started. Every step of the journey, I’ve relied on God’s Word for direction. There have been times I’ve taken an exit but like my Garmin, God’s voice would direct me, “Make a U-turn now and in 1 mile turn right.” When He filled me with His Spirit, it included my eternal reservation number, which can only be cancelled if I veer off the plan and neglectfully forget to fill up the tank.

If you have been driving aimlessly through life, turning right at this intersection and left at the next corner; STOP. Decide where you want to go, get out your map; MAKE A U-TURN NOW!!! Start the journey toward your final destination, God has your reservation number ready and waiting.

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