Aimlessly Wandering

 

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come” (John 16:13 NIV).

 

I recently took a trip with two of my sons to the New England area. In the process of obtaining a rental car, we were informed that there would be a substantial up-charge to include my twenty-one year old  as one of the drivers. This left me as the only driving option which posed a bit of a problem since I am easily distracted and don’t have the best sense of direction. (Actually, according to my seventeen year old at least, I have absolutely no sense of direction.)   

 

Fortunately, my twenty-one year old is a logical thinking physics major, who could probably navigate using the position of the sun, served as a superb guide during the trip. Without his assistance, my lack of navigational skills and ability to become easily sidetracked may otherwise have us detoured, diverted and aimlessly wandering the roads of New Hampshire in search of balsam firs that reminded me of Christmas trees each time we came upon one. 

 

It is easy to become distracted and get off course when traveling, especially if you leave me in charge. This can also be true in our Christian journey. As believers we are provided the Holy Spirit to serve as our earthly compass.  Unfortunately, I often believe I’ve got things under control and attempt a self-guided tour. You can only imagine how much trouble I find myself in without His counsel. Karl Barth says;

            When we are at our wits’ end for an answer, then the Holy Spirit can give us an answer.

But how can He give us an answer when we are still well supplied with all sorts of answers of our own?

 

The assistance of modern technology and my son’s guidance served as great aids in leading us in the right direction on our recent trip.  In my daily Christian journey, I have to remind myself that without the Holy Spirit’s guidance and counsel, I will find myself detoured, diverted and aimlessly wandering.

 

Michele