Okay…so this wasn't supposed to go live…yet.
But here we go.
Last night I got lost…again. I was looking for a shortcut between Kroger and my apartment and almost ended in Lake Lanier. Like a tired story in a sitcom, I keep trying to find shortcuts around the octopus-shaped lake that provides shape and challenge to Gainesville.
It's frustrating because I'm impatient and traffic gets clogged around here and I look for a quick exit. Getting lost or nearly dunking into the lake after dark only adds to my frustration. And then I have to find my way out by driving further into the unknown, stop and ask for help, or hope that my GPS function on the phone has enough signal to work. Oh, and speeding can be a problem.
Last night, as I backed out of an unnamed boat ramp looking thing…in the dark…I thought to myself, "this is just what happens when I take shortcuts in life." Impatience and fear or sadness has driven me to "jump off the operating table" or circumvent the posted route.
Curiously, I've had success in doing this and "getting things done." And sometimes, I end up braking the speeding car as it wings towards the murky water.
This is where the idea of "OnStar" came up – as I was finally driving more confidently home last night (after adding an unnecessary 45 minutes to the trip…) I prayed when lost and then reluctantly pulled out my phone and it's navigation. Annoyed, I reminded God that I'd asked HIM for help and not my phone.
He reminded me that he gave me my phone to use as a resource (and that he'd just saved me from a nasty dip into the lake).
I need help. I need to ask for directions so often. I need OnStar.
Or something better.
Perhaps the author of this sitcom is a good one to call on when the way is lost or murky or dark. He may show up in burning bush or GPS. His kids and the resources he provides are still his to appropriate. If I'm drowning and somebody tosses a life preserver to me, He has no less provided than had he showed up moonwalking on the water and plucked me out.
And shortcuts – better testing them in the light of day than the murkiness of a rainy night.
Take Me Home, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRY1NG1P_kw
I’m glad you didn’t end up in the lake 🙂 And I’m thankful to get to read your amazing words about your journey… shortcuts and all!
My dear friend…..I smiled, sighed, smiled some more, and again gave thanks to our Father for your sisterhood. Can *so* relate with this. Not only because I’m a little bit familiar with the Gainesville area you speak of here, but the tendency to look for shortcuts when doing so has great repercussions, and detours can matter a great, great deal. Really matter. Timely thoughts for me just now. Love you.