In my experience, driving a car is a rite of passage. Dads were usually the ones that helped us through it, as did mine. My Dad, having driven since he was a teen, knew from memory every major road where he lived and worked. He knew his way around and was skilled at driving.

Well, as I grew older and more independent, I whipped out a map of the East coast and decided to go with my sister, who had been ill, to see Virginia Beach for relaxation. I plotted a route, prayed for safety and set out. We arrived with no problem. But, upon returning I got cocky, as young men tend to do. I set out without consulting a map, and got sooooo lost on this road into ticksville. When I finally decided to look at the map, I realized I had missed a critical exit about 30 miles back. It dawned on me that stopping to seek guidance doesn’t mean you’re not a man, testosterone aside.

Now this remains a constant lesson for me today in understanding which direction to go on my Christian journey. It’s a reminder to heed the Spirits guidance when I’m off course, when I’ve missed the turn Father God wants me to take. So I pray, then try my hardest to discern His directions. Lo and behold, I end up where I am supposed to be. It was He that mapped my life from day one. He called me to be His own, to live where I am, and to use my musical gift for His glory. He called me to have the courage to share His good news of Salvation in His Son Jesus, and to one day finish my journey at Heaven’s Gate where I’ll and enter into His loving arms.

Asking for direction is still not easy. To this day, even with a navigation device which I call Mandy, I sometimes go my own way. “Mandy” tells me to turn here. I reply, “No that’s not happening.” My wife just shakes her head, as we soon end up needing a course correction. But real men don’t need directions, or DO THEY?

Remember God loves you unconditionally!

Joey

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4
LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. Jeremiah 10:23