Follow the Light

A few years ago, my family took a road trip from Texas to Wisconsin. On the way home, we decided to plow through and drive the whole 17 hours in one day. My husband Tom and I took turns driving. My final turn came around hour 12. The sun had set and our GPS decided to take us on some less than major Texas "highways." While it was a four lane road with highway speeds of 60 miles per hour for most of the trip, the roads were really dark. There were no streetlights or reflective paint, and I was beginning to wonder if my eyes had aged well past their 40 years. I found that the only way to drive safely was to stay focused on the road right in front of me. I couldn't look around for landmarks or look too far ahead because it was too dark and the lights of any oncoming cars were distracting and disorienting. Once I figured out that I needed to focus on only the road that my headlights illuminated, I was able to relax and the drive became more comfortable.

The experience brought to mind Psalm 119:105, which says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Life is much like my drive on those dark roads. If I try to focus too far into the unknowns of the future or dwell on the what ifs, I am overwhelmed and burdened. However, if I focus on Jesus and what He has called me to for that moment or that day, I find that I can confidently walk in faith, trusting that He will show me what I need for whatever He has called me to do.

Fix your eyes on Jesus, dear sisters! He has done it all for us on the cross. The road ahead may look dark, but He offers us the light we need, as we seek Him, through prayer and His Word. Take the next step. He will continue to light your path.

Lynette Chang
Writer

Not My Shoes

The outside packaging touted the quality of the product within. No preservatives. No trans fatty acids. Only three ingredients. Vegan.

It was a typical Sunday morning. Someone couldn’t find their shoes and we were trying desperately to make it to church on time. This particular someone had supposedly looked everywhere for her black dress shoes. With limited options and the time quickly passing, I pointed to another pair and suggested that they would have to do. She gratefully agreed and we rushed to the car.

Upon arrival at church, I noticed that she was walking funny. When I inquired about her interesting gait, she responded, “My shoes are too big. These aren't mine." The shoes I pointed to - the ones that were in HER closet - were actually the larger version of the exact pair she owns (also missing) and belonged to her older sister. So she shuffled around church all morning in shoes that not only didn’t match her dress, but were also two sizes too big. She was quite the sight! Of course, she wasn’t the least bit bothered.

As adults, we wouldn’t intentionally go out wearing shoes that don’t fit - unless maybe it’s a quick run to the mailbox. But how often do we unintentionally try to walk in shoes that don’t fit? God may be calling us to do one thing, but we’ve got our minds set on something else. And so off we go… in shoes that don’t fit. Or, we serve in an area of church out of guilt or simply because there’s a need, not because we were called to it… off running in shoes that don’t fit. Or, maybe we try to fashion our gifts and talents into something that looks like someone else’s… shoes that don’t fit.

God created us as unique individuals. He has a specific purpose for each of us. We’ll be much more comfortable in life, experiencing peace and contentment, when we’re doing what God has called us to. Let’s wear the shoes that He intended for us to wear.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Cindy Schufflebarger
Author and Speaker
www.cindyshufflebarger.com