Gratitude Day 223

Mar., Mar. 1, 2019

Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you.

While traveling in February, we ran across one of these signs with cities and mileages listed. Located in Cozumel, Mexico, it was fun to see the distance to Japan, Brazil, London and so many other locations.

One of those other locations? The theoretical M*A*S*H 4077 location. The M*A*S*H signpost became an iconic piece of television history as it represented home to the members of the 4077. During the final episode, the signpost was taken apart and the main characters took a piece of the sign home with them.

Finding direction. Anyone else struggle with this? While some days I feel like I have an idea of what I want to do when I grow up, other days this seems so elusive. Maybe even more disconcerting about this? I’m at the stage of my life when I probably should have this figured out!

Over the years, I have had a variety of careers. I’ve worked in advertising, marketing, on dairy farms, as an English and piano teacher and as a pastor. My skill set is wide and shallow. Through my background and volunteer work, I can do a lot of things somewhat … but am not a master at any. I believe that my varied background has been purposeful. I keep thinking that someday, all these random skills will get pulled together and used for the good of some single purpose.

I begin each day with praying before I even get out of bed. I ask God to guide and direct my steps and activities, the things that I say as well as the things that don’t get spoke aloud. I pray for God to use me and my life, that I may be God’s hands and feet in the lives of another person that very day.

On some good days, God uses us in either profound or seemingly simple ways. The other good news? Some days, God uses us, and we have absolutely no clue. Both can be just as impactful on someone else’s life. When we are used and we have no clue, it’s a refreshing reminder that our lives are bigger than ourselves. Thank goodness our lives are not just about fulfilling our limited and potentially shallow dreams. God can dream opportunities beyond our ability and use us in ways that we would never think are possible.

I keep forgetting that if God can dream up possibilities beyond my reach, then I need to trust God with the direction of my life as well. Yes, we take a very active role in our life’s directions. We make choices each and every day. Whether we make the best choice or not, God will use the choices we make. We can still make it to the same place; some routes maybe just a bit longer than others. The good news is as promised, God keeps God’s eye on us. God will advise you. God will provide instruction and teach us. We just need to be open to the process, the possibilities and the potential God sees in us that we may not see in ourselves.

So, no matter where you are in your life, keep on keeping on. Pray daily for God to use you as well as guide you. Celebrate the small things more than the seemingly big things. The small things probably really are the big things. And just in case you aren’t sure exactly the direction your life is headed, enjoy the journey and the ride. Focusing only on the destination means you’ll miss some exciting moment along the way!

For God’s guidance in my life direction, I am grateful.

Lord God – thanks for showing up in my life daily, whether I fully see all those moments or not. Thanks for dreaming larger than we dream ourselves. Thanks for keeping the possibilities before us and keeping an eye on us. Help us to trust You and make wise choices along the way. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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