5 Steps To Finding Your Way
Mr. 4-Ever and I took a brisk walk through the cemetary across the street to get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. (Mr. 4-Ever is my husband, Dave). As we clipped along the asphalt paths, I drew his attention to cemetery points of interest. Tombstones from the 1800’s. Tiny markers for tiny babies. Expansive family plots, and elaborate monoliths honoring leaders from bygone eras.
Where is Adventure Boy buried?” Mr. 4-Ever asked. (I was married to Adventure Boy, Craig, before Dave. Craig and our single engine plane disappeared on a routine long-distance flight and after weeks of searching, the crash site was discovered by the heroes of the Civil Air Patrol.)
“I’ll show you,” I panted.
We walked
…and walked
… and walked.
Disoriented in the maze of tombstones, I couldn’t find his marker. An anxious feeling welled up in me so I took a cue from Civil Air Patrol search protocol.
- Get your bearings.
- Ask others to help.
- Design a search pattern.
- Start the search from the last known sighting.
- Keep looking till you find what you search for.
We paused, and prayed. Dave got a cemetery plot map at the office. We started from the entrance and found the marker.
When your world seems out of sync, when you lose your way or your direction, or your peace, or your passion, take a page from the C.A.P. manual.
1.
Stop and get your bearings.
I know that when you’re so busy it feels like you’re reeling out of control, taking time to stop and reflect seems counterintuitive. But do it.
2.
Quiet yourself and ask for help.
Call in reinforcements to help you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and council you. Ask friends and family. Lean on experts and scholars. Research possible solutions.
3.
Design your search pattern.
Start at the last place you had what you search for. When was the last time experienced it?
4.
Implement your search.
Do you need to pray? Go back to school? Get out of a dangerous relationship? Find a new job? Get a second opinion? Initiate a fresh way of eating or exercising or scheduling?
5.
Keep looking.
Press on till you find your answer, your peace, your way, or your direction, or your purpose, or your passion.
We all have moments or even seasons when life is turned upside-down and sideways. When you are disoriented and searching for balance, follow the protocol that will steady and steer you. With God’s help and the assistance of his people, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Do you have a protocol to reset in times of trial or confusion? Tell me about it in the comments.
Verse for today: My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:2 NIV
Prayer: God in Heaven, I’m so glad you can keep track of me when I have trouble keeping track of everything and anything. Lead me when I’m lost. Guide me when I’m confused. Highlight my path. Thank you in advance. Amen
I enjoy your inspirational thoughts on Sunday nights. I’m not sure if it’s at the end of a busy week for me or a fresh start for a new week, but they always encourage me. Thank you! They make me think. Sometimes make me have an a-ha moment. Sometimes they make me cry. They always keep me pressing forward to work towards what God has created me for … to serve Him, to give Him glory and hopefully to make a difference in order to bring people to the kingdom.
Wow, Tracy, thank you for posting. Appreciate you.
Thanks for the reminder
My pleasure, Therese. Thanks for posting.
Hi Robyn
Monday have my surgeon appt. Have not seen him in 3 months. It will be good to be there. MPhyllis
Praying you get a good report!
To reset I go for a power walk on the beach or at the lake, and I listen to praise and worship music. Connecting with God’s creation always centers me and fills me with gratitude for all He has provided. It helps humble me and gets me outside of myself and lifts that feeling of chaos and turns it into a state of peace.
Lovely! Thanks for a great idea, Susan.
During times of trial or confusion my procedure is to wait – sleep on it before making a decision- wait a few days before saying anything- I find most times when I WAIT – things seem to work out or even disappear- most don’t seem as urgent or important when we just take some time and wait- and of course pray during my waiting time
Monica – your idea is a gem. Waiting before worrying and fussing is an excellent plan. Thanks for posting.
Get into the word. Call a brother or sister in Christ. Pray!
Hi Becky
There is power in the word and help in the Body. Great ideas. Thanks for posting
This was a timely word for me..(I just read it today!) And it points me in the steps that I need to take! thank you!