Christmas GPS

I am in the habit of using my car's navigational system during my morning commute. This system allows me to get a sense of how long it will take to get to school and if there are any areas to avoid on my route. There was an early morning meeting on my calendar last week, and I left my house in plenty of time to arrive at school at least fifteen minutes early so I could be ready for the meeting... or so I thought. When I got in the car that morning, my GPS told me that I would arrive one minute late for the appointment. Exasperated, I set out determined to make up that one minute along the way.

Driving a little faster than usual, I kept checking my estimated arrival time, and it remained the same. I decided to go a little faster. Suddenly, the estimated arrival time changed, informing me that I would now be four minutes late! How could this be? Not to be thwarted, I increased my speed far beyond my comfort zone in an effort to get to school in time. After ten more minutes of traveling faster than most of the traffic around me, my navigational system indicated that I would now be eight minutes late! It felt like I was going backward so I wasn't gaining any time; I was losing it. All of my efforts were for naught.

I decided to slow down and let go of what I could not control. I called the meeting organizer and let him know that traffic was heavy, and I was going to arrive late.

Able to shift focus to solely what was in front of me, I tr avel ed f a rather down the road a few miles and discovered the reason for my delay... a fender bender on the interstate had backed up traffic. Having relieved all of my frustration and worry with a decision and a phone call, I had a much more enjoyable trip!

The days between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve are filled with activities, family and friends. We push ourselves to take care of every detail for gift-giving and special events until they are completed. It is the holiday rush. Much like my morning trip, we strive to accomplish as much as we can and as fast as we can. Yet, our efforts sometimes make us feel like we are on a treadmill - lots of effort, but no progress.

This holiday season, please try and reflect on these words from Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

May God continue to use us to walk in His steps and bless others in this Christmas Season,

Thank you for your support.