Follow the Best GPS

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
 where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
 the Maker of heaven and earth.

I’m thankful for GPS, Global Positioning Systems, like Google Maps.

Although I’ve improved with age, I tend to be directionally impaired. Before GPS saved me from my wandering ways, I depended on a map or written directions. I still prefer landmarks to highway numbers, and I still get my left and right mixed up. But I’ve learned to listen to the little voice inside my phone as she speaks directions, and I’ve learned to read road signs.

Years ago, before GPS was an app on our smartphones, we owned a box we’d attach to the dash, I think it was a Garmin. I named her Vera. Vera took me wherever I needed to go, unless I didn’t listen.

The key to overcoming my impaired directional instincts was paying attention and following Vera’s lead.

As I wander about in life, I need direction. When I go off on my own, I get lost and stumble. But when I lift my eyes to the one who leads my way, I follow a better path. There may be roadblocks or construction, but Jesus walks me through it. He’s not going to take me on a trail that leads to destruction. Instead his voice gives me the guidance I need on the rocky roads of life.

He whispers to me from the Bible and answers my prayers. He speaks to me through trusted family and friends and helps me navigate choppy water.

Jesus is the best GPS, God’s Perfect Son, to follow. He will never lead us down the wrong path. Instead, he’ll guide us on the road God created us for.

Seek Jesus as he maps out the road to heaven.

When Your Children Follow God's Path

My youngest daughter, Hannah, flew to Guatemala on Saturday with a group from Habitat for Humanity. They've traveled to Central America to build buildings and install smokeless stoves. Many of the people in the area cook over open fires in their homes. That equals an unhealthy environment. The travelers are also exploring a whole new part of our beautiful world.

When Hannah and her sisters were young I prayed for them to find the path God intended for them. I never dreamed Hannah's life would include world travel. But it has. I let go and let God and so did she. For any young mom's reading this, I want to tell you—it's not easy. Sometimes it's downright hard. On Saturday when they were flying I was a bit anxious. When I saw the message "Here safe and sound," my heart filled with relief.

Prayer and journaling are two of the best tools I've found to help me put aside the worry and entrust my children to God. This goes for grandchildren, too. I've learned to push worry aside and pray, pray, pray. That's when God brings me peace.

As a parent, we don't know where the Lord will lead our children. Encouraging them and guiding them is part of our job. Noticing their strengths and interests and giving them opportunity is a must. Letting them go to travel God's path is hard. But oh the joy I've found in each of our children's journeys. I'm proud of all of them and excited to see where the Lord continues to leads.

If you'd like to follow Hannah's adventure, she writes a blog: http://hlwick.blogspot.com/2017/01/guatemala-sunday-recap.html

Prayers are always appreciated!

I'd love to hear your thoughts, too.

When Life Loops

Psalm 25: 4-5
Show me the right path, O Lord;
    point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
    for you are the God who saves me.
    All day long I put my hope in you.

We left the parking lot to drive home. Tim and I enjoy going to Louisville once in a while to watch the Bats, a minor league affiliate of the Reds, play baseball. The game ended in time to get us home by 11pm. Great! Tim navigated to the exit for 71N. We looped around only to find the exit closed. Now what? Our only option was to drive over the bridge in to Indiana. We stopped at a gas station and Tim asked a fellow if he knew of a way for us to get back on 71N. He gave directions. Guess what? They led us right back into Indiana. Long story short, Tim found a different route to get us home, later than intended but home safe and sound.

Sometimes life feels like a loop. We take the same path over and over and get nowhere. Even to the point the rut grows deeper, and we forget the purpose of our steps. Maybe Satan tricks us into thinking we're on the right path. He says, "Take that road it will lead you to a new place," but it's the same old loop. God has so much more in mind for his followers. He doesn't want us in a rut. He wants us to step out, move forward, pray for direction. God didn't create us to be sedentary when it comes to serving him. He has a path for each of us, all we need to do is seek it. Ask God in the morning, "What's up for today?" Then listen and follow. The Holy Spirit's nudges are real. Listen to him.

God, I praise you for the path you lead me on, continue to guide my feet.