Good afternoon! On this first day of April, our Lenten Devotional comes to us from April Brown! Clever, I know. J
I’m sure many of you know April, but for those of you who may not she is the Assistant Director in the Office of Inclusiveness & Intercultural Services. I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to get to know April over the last few years in a number of ways, but most specifically in her role as Chair of the TCU Veterans Services Task Force. Her genuine care for students combined with a heartfelt desire to be inclusive in her work in every way possible, are just a couple of the reasons that I love working with her. I’ve had the privilege of having numerous conversations with her, during which it’s always been obvious how deeply her faith is woven into the fiber of her being. I’m so glad you get to experience that part of her today, in a way that is uniquely April. I trust and hope you’ll appreciate her words for you today…
Blessings, Todd
|
|
April 1, 2014 By: April Brown
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths.”
Where will your path take you?
I like taking road trips. I like driving across the country discovering new towns and sightseeing, but I like to plan my trip with the use of a map. I like being able to see the entire route on the map. When I plan a road trip, I will carefully plot the distance between stops, landmarks and interstate markers. I will calculate the time it takes to each pit stop and highlight the route in yellow. I can also find detours and small unused roads if traffic is too heavy or if I encounter a roadblock. During the trip I will check in periodically to make certain I am going in the right direction. A map allows me to see where I am going on paper.
I also have a GPS (Global Positioning System) in my vehicle. I have tried using it, but will often hear an annoying voice saying “Recalculating” more often than I hear the directions.
I hear “recalculating” more than the directions because I don’t trust that the GPS is taking me in the right direction. So, I will find myself exiting the interstate and consulting my map just to see if I am going in the right direction. More often than not, the GPS is taking me to my destination. It just doesn’t allow me to see the entire route with all the details
My journey in life has often paralleled my road trips. I like having a plan for my life; SMART Goals, checklists, to do lists, plans, strategic plans. I want to be able to see what’s coming.
But life, like a road trip can have unforeseen obstacles, detours, accidents and even tragedies. During these times of uncertainty, I have another GPS that is often trying to direct my path. My GOD positioning system wants me to listen to the directions that will help me on my journey. God is waiting for me to hear the voice of the spirit to direct my path.
Sometimes the voice is found in prayer, meditation, finding my center, serving others or in fellowship within community. What’s most important is that my GPS is always with me. If I take the time to listen, I will hear direction. I will hear a voice that is urging me to recalculate when I need to get back on track. If I have the courage to follow the direction, I will have comfort and be protected.
God’s Personal System will lead me to the destination of my purpose. If I slow down and let God take control of the wheel , yes there is a song with that title and the words fit, then God’s path will allow me to serve a Godly purpose and have positive impact on those around me. In addition, God will also protect me and never leave me.
My human nature is to pull out my map and plot the direction that works for me, make a detour when I am uncertain, sometimes even stop in traffic, but the gentle voice of the spirit will urge me to trust in my personal GPS, my savior, GOD.
Trust, Let GO and let GOD.
Lord, allow me to hear your voice, to trust in your word and to walk the path that you have prepared for me. |
Comments