I like to know where I'm going. I usually plan, and re-plan, and then re-plan again. I print out a map... sometimes 2 so I have a back up plan in case a road is closed. I can get to and from anywhere... with a map. But there are times, when I have to travel using only a compass. (I don't have a GPS.) But traveling with only a compass, leaves me driving around in circles.
This past weekend, I was doing some garage sale hunting on the way home from my chiropractor. As I drove through a housing development, I looked at my compass. It told me the direction I was driving.... but didn't tell me where home was. I was heading North, but I didn't know the direction of my home. Was I lost? Not really. I knew I was heading North. So, I just drove until I found a road which I knew. Then I took that road until I saw some familiar landmarks, and soon I was home.
Was I upset that I didn't have map, and ended up driving around housing developments? No. I found some great deals at the garage sales on my journey.
God is teaching me
that sometimes even
the most detailed plans
are not always the best.
Too many times, I create plans and then do everything in my power to make my plans work.... Only to realize that a road is closed and I have to take a detour.
When I stop trying to make
my plans work,
and let God lead me,
I can then enjoy the amazing things
God has planned along the journey.
On Tuesday, I will meet with a Doctor to begin another phase of my pain management journey. I've gone through medication withdrawal back in 2005, so I know some of what to expect. However, things are different this time. I've been on the medications for a longer period of time. I have additional pain due to some recent injures. So, although I've been down this road before, I'm driving with only a compass and no map.
As I travel this new journey, there may be a few detours and even some road closures. But that's okay, the journey has it's own blessings which are missed if I'm only focused on the final destination.
Creating a positive day can't always be planned. In fact, the most positive days are filled with surprises and unexpected turns and journeys. If I had decide not to go garage sale hunting only because I didn't have a map, I would have missed some great deals.
I can't limit my life
to only mapped journeys.
There are times when
driving by a compass
can provide the most blessings.
