Each time I journey out of my neighborhood, I am faced with the choice of taking one of three paths forward:
Turning right takes me to my children’s school and to other locations east of our community. Going straight ahead delivers me to the heart of town where our church, grocery stores, local restaurants and other shops and services are located. A left turn leads me to the ballparks and soccer fields we frequent as well as to the road well traveled that serves as a link between our area and points south and west.
Sometimes when I leave the neighborhood I am so wrapped up in my thoughts, I do not realize until after the fact that I’ve turned right when I should have gone straight, or I’ve gone straight instead of turning left.
In some instances I realize my mistake soon after I’ve completed the turn and am quickly able to course correct. In others, it is a travel passenger who alerts me to the fact that I’ve made a wrong turn. Then there are the occasions when I’ve traveled for quite some time before I discover my mistake. In those cases, it takes a bit longer to get back on track. Regardless of when or how I discover I am going in the wrong direction, unless I change my course I won’t get to where I want or need to go.
In life’s journey, we constantly face choices regarding the path forward. There are times when the choices we make are by conscious decision. There are other times when we are so wrapped up in the details of life that we unconsciously move forward on autopilot and end up on a path we hadn’t expected to take. Sometimes we discover our mistake quickly or others may prompt us that we are going in the wrong direction. We might even drift for quite some time before realizing we are not on the path we intended to follow.
In today’s hectic world, it is easy to lose focus and veer off course without realizing it. That’s why it’s important to periodically take a step back from the daily routine and take notice of your surroundings. Doing so can provide the perspective needed to determine whether the path you are currently on is leading you where you want to go or if it is taking you in the wrong direction.
If you discover you’re going the wrong way, perhaps it’s time to shift out of autopilot, take deep breath, and make the conscious effort to pay a little more attention to your surroundings.
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I always love these posts as you hit the nail on the head! I’m guessing others feel the same way. Life is definitely interesting when you think the best step you take, might not be a step forward, but a step back! Thanks Kim.
Thanks Tony! It’s comforting to know I am not alone in my thinking 🙂
Thank you!!
Thank YOU, Debbie, for reading and reflecting on this blog post!
Kim,
Loved this post. I found your blog on the Hope*Writers Facebook Page. I look forward to building relationships, as we continue to grow together in our writing journeys.
I often take the wrong turn. Not only in this holiday season, BUT EVERYDAY, I am thankful that I serve a God who allows me to turn around and get back on the right path.
Your post has inspired me, encouraged me, and for that, I am thankful to you…
If you have a chance, I’d love to have you over to my “home,” Walking In My Destiny. Stop by for a visit anytime.
God Bless!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Jason! It is a pleasure to get to connect with a fellow Hope*Writer. I appreciate your feedback and your insights, and am grateful for a loving God who provides a Light for our path. Thanks for the invitation — I look forward to the visit!