My wife and I visited some old friends a few weekends ago. It was refreshing. We were able to reminisce on days gone by and catch up on our lives today. We watched some movies, played cards, and relaxed in each other's company. One night we decided to go out to dinner, and we decided to follow behind them in our vehicle. There was no discussion involving me "taking the lead" on the drive to the restaurant, nor did we feel we should both take different routes to the same location. I guess it was assumed that I had no idea where we were going and that our friends would lead the way. I didn't think much about that evening, until this past weekend. My wife and I found ourselves in that same city. Only this time, there was no "friend." I had no idea where I was going. I was trying to figure out which lane should I be in? Am I turning onto a one way street? Thankfully, my wife was able to share, ever so subtly, "Honey, you need to stop. It's a redlight." I thought to myself, "Man, I wish we had someone in front of us who knew where they were going." The moment was stressful and intense. If only I could have gone back to a few weeks ago, when I had a personal guide through the town, this day would be so much better. That's when epiphany struck.
I do this day after day after day. I go through life, looking every which way, trying to figure out which way is north. When do I need to turn? Have I gone to far? Should I double back and find a new route? I hope for a guide to take me through the gridlock. The funny thing is...I have one. Jesus says in the gospel of John, "I am the Way...No one comes to the Father except through me." (14:6) He is the WAY!! He is our GUIDE!!
The problem is with all the traffic around, it's all too easy to lose him in the chaos. It doesn't mean he's not there. Many times, I try to find a better "route," and I look down different streets. When I look ahead again, I can't see him and I have to slam on the brakes because I almost ran another redlight. I get panicked. As I slowly go through the intersection, looking intensely for my guide, I see a vehicle slowly merge into traffic ahead of me and I realize that it is Him--patiently waiting for me focus my attention back to him. At the next intersection, he rolls down the window and sticks his head out and says, "Hey, Adam, trust me. I know where we're going and I know how to get there. Enjoy the ride."
