Maps

I am the first to admit that I am terrible with directions.  When it comes to a road trip, do NOT put me in charge of reading the map.  Don't even put me in charge of reading out the step-by-step directions dictated by your iphone.  I'm serious.  The other night, I was asked to look at the directions and read them while my sister and I were driving to someone's house.  We got lost.

In high school I had decided to pursue a career in elementary education and knew that the road to that career was in going to college.  A logical route.  So, how did I end up in Ecuador a few months after high school graduation instead?  God has this uncanny way of taking me on the scenic route when all I can see on the map is the highway.  Fast forward several years and I am finally a certified elementary school teacher, eager to be a in regular classroom.  Then I hear myself accepting a position to be the teacher for a brand-new program!  All of a sudden I am "pioneering" a program that I didn't even know existed until now.  How is that even possible?  Last year came an even bigger directional change.  I hear myself telling my boss that I won't be renewing my teacher's contract.  In fact, I'm going to move to Ecuador and I'm not coming back.  Imagine his shock, as well as my own, when I announce that instead of teaching elementary students (for which I am qualified and highly-able) I am going to dedicate my time and energy to teenagers (of which I have no natural ability or even slight qualifications).  This makes no sense!  Yet, it makes total sense.


Back to my story about driving with my sister.  When we got lost, my sister asked, "Well, were you reading the directions and looking at the street signs?"  Me:  "No."
Seems pretty clear, doesn't it?  You have to actually use the maps and the directions in order for them to be of any use.  We have to follow the directions and be aware of what's going on around us, otherwise we suddenly look around and realize we are lost. 

There have been some pretty significant changes over the past 10 years in my life.  The route I had mapped out for myself at the naïve age of 16 has not turned out quite the way I had imagined.  The amazing part is that despite all the changes, I'm not lost.  I know exactly where I am.  I know how I got here.  I know where I'm going.  There is an overwhelming sense of peace when you plan and you dream but ultimately submit it to the Lord.  At each new twist and turn, God has been faithful to direct my steps.  At times, it's been one very slow step at a time.  Other times, it's been a very large leap.  This past year, I feel like I've been flying at light speed.  Each new directional change has been big and loud.

In exactly two months, I will be marrying the love of my life.  I will not only be saying goodbye to my singlehood but also goodbye to the many friends and family and all that has come to mean "home" to me as I return to my new husband's country of Ecuador.  We will be serving together within Young Life ministries.  We will plan and dream together and we will submit it the Lord.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6