Setting your Spiritual GPS

I drive at least thirty-eight minutes every weekday, one way, to work.  That’s if I catch every light, take each turn without braking and don’t get pulled over for ignoring the occasional speed limit sign.  However, this sub forty minute time rarely happens. My travel is fraught with traffic, the occasional freeway accident (we’re praying for you whoever you are), and dreaded road construction.  These slowdowns push my daily commute closer to one hour each way.  Because I spend so much time on this route and have travelled it over and over, I have the journey memorized. 

So when I wake up, I shower, pray, eat the occasional breakfast, and I’m off.  Fully alert or eyes bleary I have always made my destination without incident (special thanks to those who are praying for me!).  The same happens on my way home.  After an exhilarating or a frustrating day, I arrive home to a welcoming front door.   Sometimes I arrive home earlier than expected.  Not because the traffic was light or because I’ve found a new route that fast tracks me to the front door.  But because I haven’t run the errands I planned.  The ones I was supposed to make ON my way home.

My routine has safely derailed me from doing what I should’ve done. Instead of stopping at the post office, the dry cleaners, and grabbing food for the week ON the way, I’m standing at my front door… like a moron.  With a bright wooden door ahead, traffic all around, comfy clothes and air conditioning awaiting me, I have several reasons to leave my errands for another day.  No one’s perfect but I knew was supposed to do them.  And what a joy to have letters mailed, clean clothes, and fresh food to eat.

The only way I’ve found to combat this habit with success is to set the GPS in my car before I leave my home or office. By doing this I let the electronic map in my center console override my habit.  I subconsciously follow the little blue line on the map forward, to the left and right until reaching the destination.  When I have taken pause to set my course before charging out I have always succeeded in doing life’s little things.

This explanation, albeit entirely true, has become a metaphor for my spiritual life.  I have God’s protection over my daily essentials and overcome daily battles. However, I know I’m not living the life God has called me to.  I’m not running the errands of God.  I’m ignoring the little things that are the big things.  I’m missing God’s daily joys around every corner.  What I should do is pause to partner my day with God.  It’s a wonderful relief when I set my spiritual GPS taking the strain off myself and give my attention to His destination for my life. As you read this I ponder, have you asked God what’s one destination He has for you?  And if you know what it is, have you set your GPS?  Or are you arriving home early avoiding the activities God has called you to?

Mark 16:15 “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation”… and remember to set your GPS it’ll help.

American Standard Version 1901