Theresa, me, and Tim...trying to figure out "which way to go" in Rome.

Theresa, me, and Tim…trying to figure out “which way to go” in Rome.


This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”
When I read Isaiah 48:17 this morning I began to pray for God’s guidance in my life and in each of my family member’s lives. While praying, the vision of a trip to Rome, Italy came to mind. We were there with our great friends, Dave and Theresa, back in the spring of 2005 (Wow! It’s been over ten years now!) I distinctly remember the maddening intersection we came upon while on a private tour. This wasn’t the typical traffic intersection I’m used to in my small town or even any metropolis I’d visited before. On top of Rome being an extremely congested already, this intersection had five roads which joined together at one location.
That scene was terribly confusing to me. I could remember a feeling of being overwhelmed rush through my head. I thought I had captured it all on camera, but when I looked through the photographs of that memorable adventure I couldn’t find the intersection photo, but I did find the picture included in this entry that conveys this bible verse as well.
Friends, we are faced with decisions every day. Often every minute of the day. When we hastily make a choice, we may not have given the situation to God yet. When we tend to make decisions on our own, without consulting with the Lord, hmmm…we better watch out.
In our home we have two who will be leaving for college next fall. I’ve asked them both where they think they want to go. After they’d given their response, I reminded them (as momma always does, and most likely always will) to seek God’s guidance. Go where God wants you to go.   Don’t attend a university just because “everyone else goes there” or (in Holly’s case) just because it is near the beach (even though that sounds perfect to me). Those are great reasons to help persuade you and make your decision, but if God doesn’t want you in a place, don’t go!
God’s path is much better. It may not be the easier path at times, but in the end, it will be the right one to follow. There will be glory in the end.
Just like that intersection in Rome gave me an overwhelming feeling, making the right decision for our lives can be that daunting. Why not lessen the “overwhelmingness” by giving it to our Heavenly Father. He wants what is best for us anyhow. “Overcome that Overwhelming feeling” by listening, seeking, and following Him!