Have you ever followed a path, thinking you were doing the right thing, only to look up and realize you were way off track? That was me just last week. We had taken a family trip to rock climb the along the bluffs of the St. Croix River. We all piled out of the van, reached the trailhead when I asked my husband if this was the right trial. He said yes, so off we went. Our destination was to be a waterfall. Alongside the trail was a riverbed with very little water. Temptation of the rocks took over and soon all of us were climbing up the riverbed. Someone noticed that the trail was headed toward higher ground. I suggested that we continue up the rocky riverbed. It would lead to the waterfall. Right? Well, maybe not. A few minutes later we decided we should get back on the trail except now we couldn’t even see it. We were lost. We abandoned the riverbed and went in search of the trail. We were way off course.
When we finally found the trail, we continued on to our destination. We spied a bench ahead and we were ready for a break. Near the bench there was another trail and a trail map. After studying the map for a few minutes, I looked at my husband and said, “We were never on the right trail.” Next time we will take the map with us :0)
At times, that has been my faith. I’m headed along a path, thinking I’m doing the right thing, only to look up and realize I was way off track. I have lost sight of God and His call on my life. There have been times when I have been completely lost and times when I was simply distracted by life. Thankfully my Dad loves it when His prodigal daughter comes running back home.
Luke 15:10-32 “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
It is easy to become lost, off-track or distracted. I think it happens to all of us. I struggle mostly with distraction these days. There are so many things “to do” that I forget to pay attention to the One who has laid out the path for me. Just as the father in this story welcomed his son home with unconditional love, God does this and more for us. When we vier off course, He is there waiting to with open arms.
If you think you have drifted off course, He’s waiting for you to turn back. He loves you that much. Join me in running to those open arms.
What are your biggest distractions? Spouse? Kids? Work? Those are mine. Share yours here and we can help each other stay on track.