This past summer, my family and I made the decision to take our vacation in Southern California’s Disneyland Park. The kids were excited, and in no time, they were planning out what they were going to do and see first, what rides to go on, and what characters to have there pictures taken with and of course Autographs. With-in minuets they had planed their whole time there; it was going to be a great time for them.
Now, as for mom and dads planning, I wish it would be that easy. Planning a 2 week trip and have it go with out a hitch, is another story. We spent days checking on transportation costs, deciding weather to fly or drive. The cost of a hotel package, and if it would be available at the time we would be there. The decisions were hard because of all the directions that were in front of us. It was the proverbial 5 corner intersection with signs pointing in different directions. With care and much thought, we finally made the decisions that would get us to our destination and back home safely and with wonderful memories that would last.
We made the decision to drive the 2500 mile roundtrip journey. We could see the part of the country that we don’t get to see, and it was by far the least expensive. We rented a brand new car (with all the bells and whistles) and headed south on our 2 day drive.
Kids were in the backseat with snacks, DVD player and headphones, (Praise God for that Creation), air conditioning, cruise control, and CD player for mom and dad in the front. We were on our way for a fantasy filled 2 weeks.
As we got close to entering the Los Angles area, I had fears of getting lost on the freeway system there and ending up somewhere else other then our appointed destinations. I made the choice before we left home to get a GPS navigation system for my cell phone and programmed all the motels we were going to stay at going down and coming back, and of course how to get to Disneyland.
As we entered the L.A. maze of freeways, my wife Masako got my cell phone out and fired up the navigation system that we hoped would guide us through to the end point. I was placing a portion of my faith on a system that I had no control over, but believing the instructions that it would do what it promised to do, this was true Blind Faith at its best.
We proceeded on, listening carefully for each command, move to right lane and take exit #105 to I-5 South. Whew, this thing is working. Traffic stopped 6 miles ahead, prepare to exit on your right in 2 miles to Highway 202 north. I was starting to wonder if this was really a good idea. Our destination is strait in front of us and this thing is telling us to go in a different direction. Something inside told me to trust it, there is a tracing system that is seeing things we’re not seeing. OK I’ll follow your instructions and change my direction. The voice told me to make a few more turns, and before I knew it, we were back on I-5 south headed for ground zero. It took us around the traffic problem, and put us back on course again, AMAZING!!!! We arrived at Disneyland on time with very little stress (Thank you Lord). For a small price paid, and following directions, we were rewarded with a gift of happiness in a place we looked forward to for a long time, with the ones we Love.
Now, we are all on a Journey that is longer then 2 weeks in time, and much farther then 2500 miles. The Journey that we are pursuing is not to a fantasy land, but a promised land, a home that has been prepared for us with such loving care by a Loving Father, who is anxiously awaiting our arrival. Our Journey is long and we will go through places that are unfamiliar to us, and a challenge to our sense of direction. To be able to reach our destination, we also need a spiritual GPS system that we can depend on and trust even in times when we can not see what is in front of us.
Our Father has given to us that perfect GPS system as a gift with complete and clear
Instructions, all we need to do, is listen and obey the directions given. If we miss a turn, it will recalculate our moves and change our directions when it’s needed so to get us back on course again.
This GPS system that we have is Gods son Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. He has placed them in to our hearts as a guide, and to guard us from the proverbial 5 corner intersection that can deceive, confuse, and point us in the wrong direction if we are not careful. Use this gift and pay attention to its directions, and you will make it home safely and right on schedule.
For a small price paid, and following directions, we will be rewarded with a gift of Pease and Happiness in a place we are all looking forward to, and to share this Joy with the ones we Love. Our Heavenly Father is waiting with open arms for us. Stay on course, do not waiver from the path, and we will all be home soon safe in his loving Grace. Amen!!
