Daily Prompt: Wrong Turns. When was the last time you got lost? Was it an enjoyable exercise or a stressful one? Tell us about it.
I am definitely directionally challenged. Or can I say, I used to be? It was only recently that I got an iPhone and for the first time used the Google map app with verbal directions. Prior to that I would print out a map before I left to go somewhere and hope like mad that there would be somewhere I could stop along the way when I started to get to the part of my journey that needed directions. Oh the thrill and delight of the Google map lady! Her funny pronunciations of Maori street names aside, she really does rock at directions and I will never, ever go anywhere without her. I am a late-adopter when it comes to technology (as you can tell) but I do really, really appreciate it once I get on board.
When I think about wrong turns or getting lost though, I think more in terms of my life. I think I have been on a search for directions since my late teens, trying to figure out what are the best ways to live and how to deal with pesky personality issues – mine and others.
I have always thought it would be fabulous if our minds came with a “find” function, Where did I leave my keys? Answer: main folder: house, sub folder: kitchen drawer. In that same vein, what if we could easily access instructions in any given moment on how to handle life’s questions in a manner not too dissimilar to a Google search, again accessed from our mind?
From my own personal experience, I have found we do have that ability. It is at this point I will do my best to keep the Christianese to a minimum. Hard though. When life’s questions arise, or I find myself having a “moment” about a person or a situation, then I ask God for His guidance and it is always fascinating to see what happens next. The hardest part in asking the question is sometimes waiting for the answer, and not running off and doing what I think will be right. I have a tendency to say things I regret when I do that. But if ask and then allow some space (I do nothing or do something unrelated while I wait), it always amazes me how clarity comes to me that either helps me see the situation or the person differently, seeing their perspective, or a calmness will come over me that “transcends all understanding”. It’s in those moments that I avoid the wrong turns, the wrong words, the regret. Oh how I wish I knew this when I was younger.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)
distillations.blog 
I guess part of the frustration that may arise is because we do not always know whether the Almighty has heard/considered our thoughts. However I’m certain that he’s already acting upon it and probably will only reveal the final results to us.
Have a nice day!
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Yes that’s when the other thing I need to work on comes in to play … “patience”. Thank you for reading and commenting. I really appreciate it.
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when you say “Oh how I wish I knew this when I was younger.” I think was it the wrong turn? or taking the scenic route? Sometimes it takes a while to arrive at the place we need to be, but we learn to get there by the detours we take….Nicely written.
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Oh I love your idea of taking the “scenic route” – such a nice way of looking at it. You’re right too because it’s in those experiences that we are shaped so they are never wasted. Thanks so much.
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Such a beautiful post which started off lightly and ended with faith in the supreme 🙂
Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Love and light ❤
Anand 🙂
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Oh thank you Anand, that is very kind of you.
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You are most welcome. Peace and Bliss 🙂
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I love what you did with this prompt. Great advice…about waiting for the right answer and not rushing into a decision or action.
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The teen years…… wish I could push a delete button on a lot of those years (although there were some good times too). I often wonder how things would have been different if I had found God earlier. But, all in His timing. And He really does work things out for His good.
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I think the same thing. I see young people who are Christians and I think to myself how fortunate they are. But you’re right, in His timing. Thank you
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I came by to visit because you left a like on my “a boy, a woman…” Thanks. I am going to find your follow. I’d like more time with you. Hope you come again to my place. Welcome and thank you.
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I didn’t find a follow button, but I’ll be back.
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Thank you for stopping by and reading and also for pointing out that I don’t have a follow button. I think I have fixed that now. You can tell I’m a newbie. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
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