I saw a movie a few years ago and the scene to me has been unforgettable.  The main character in the film was riding in his truck when he saw a gentleman walking into town.  He leaned out the window and asked.  “Where are you going?”  The gentleman replied, “In the direction I’m headed.”  A simple statement, but isn’t it true of all of us?  We are all going in a direction we are headed.

Each day we make decisions as to the direction we will take in life.  Will it be left or right, right or wrong, wholesome companions, or companions which lead us into temptation?  Life is all about choices, and in those choices consequences come.  We can be our own undoing if we are not diligent and persistent in going the right direction.  And prayerfully for all, the direction is heaven.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:  for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.”  (Psalm 37:23-24)

“He restoreth my soul:  He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”     (Psalm 23:3)

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go:  I will guide thee with Mine eye.”    (Psalm 32:8)

The prodigal son wanted his inheritance now.  His father gave it to him, though reluctant I’m sure, for he didn’t want his son out in the wilderness with no one who loved him or cared for him.  But……he didn’t stop him from going; nor did he go after his son and beg him to come back or rethink his choice.   His son’s mind was made up.  Get his inheritance and go see the world and make friends with it.  It didn’t take long to find the world was not a friendly place.  When he came to himself, he was willing to be a hired servant.  Anything to be home again. And his father rushed to meet his son when he returned from the wilderness of sin.  Thrilled his beloved son returned home.  But it was up to the prodigal son to make the 180-degree turn.  Just as in his decision to leave, it was his decision to return.  This is true repentance.  To change direction in our lives and follow His path and be with the One who really loves and cares for us.  For all spiritual blessings are found in Him and Him only.

“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat:  and no man gave unto him.  And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!   I will arise and go to my father and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son:  make me as one of thy hired servants.  And he arose, and came to his father.  But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”    Luke 15:16-20

The question for today:  Which direction are you headed?

“Direction determines destination.  So here is a question you must ask yourself.  ‘Are all the disciplines that I’m currently engaged in taking me where I want to go?’  What an important question to ask yourself at the beginning of the month, the beginning of the week, the beginning of the day.  Because here is what you don’t ever want to do – kid yourself.  Kid your neighbor, kid me and kid the marketplace, but don’t kid yourself – fingers crossed – hoping you will arrive at a good destination when you’re not even headed that way.”     ~ Rohn

Eileen Light