Rerouting, Recalculating, Redirecting

This is my favorite time of year — proms, graduations, and warmer weather. I love seeing all the pictures flooding my timeline of girls in beautiful dresses and guys in tuxedos. As I was scrolling through Facebook today, I saw a pic from one of my graduations over 20 years ago. I marveled at how young and care-free we all looked in that picture. I also chuckled a little — knowing that I spent so much time studying Broadcast Journalism — only to explore the field and discover that it wasn’t for me.  My life went in a completely different direction a couple years later.

I loved writing back then as much as I do now, but I didn’t really want to spend time on camera. I wanted to be behind the scenes.I loved music almost as much as writing, so I compromised and worked in radio for a short while. I didn’t have to do my hair and make up, and I could show up in sweats if I wanted to. It was fun while it lasted, but again, my life went in a different direction. I didn’t really have a plan but I’m glad that someone did.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11

I used to fear judgment from others. Those who were watching would say that I didn’t really finish anything that I started. That was a real fear of mine because at the time, I didn’t finish things. When things got uncomfortable  or I didn’t yet have the life skills to endure something, I ditched it — ditched a few people along the way too.

As I grew wiser, I realized that every time I veered off course, the Divine GPS would steer me back on course.  Unlike the GPS in your car or on your phone which sometimes takes you through cornfields and unmarked roads before getting you back on track, God’s Positioning System takes you exactly where you need to go.

We have our share of valley moments, and we have our mountaintop moments too. It’s necessary to experience the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It makes us who we are. These experiences help us to appreciate God’s plan for us — uniquely ours and filled with the right mix of everything.

When I look back at those old pictures, I never wish that I could go back. I used to have a lot of what if moments, but I never wanted to go back to any particular age or decade. These days I look forward to the future and all the opportunities to see how my GPS will begin rerouting, recalculating, or redirecting me. My prayer for all those graduating from something is that they will go boldly in the direction that God leads them. Go without fear of judgement. Go without fear of getting lost. Simply listen to your GPS, and enjoy the ride.