Recently, I had a very strange and for the moment both frustrating and puzzling dilemma. Let me share this recent experience I had while attempting to attend a 50th anniversary celebration.

Those of you who have lived here quite a long while are well acquainted with the little town of Prairietown. Well, that is where I headed for this party quite assured that I knew what I was doing and knowing that after this party, I was to move on to another that required me to drive to Bunker Hill, turn and head to Woodburn and then make still another jog to reach the home of relatives that were hosting an annual party. Seemed quite simple when I started out from home.

I knew I hadn’t been to Prairietown since Bill was gone but I recalled eating many good fish dinners there and going to annual parades so, off I went filled with confidence.

Well I drove and drove and since there are a lot of buildings and homes that are new along the country road, I didn’t recognize a lot of places, but still and all, I knew I was on the correct road.

Arriving in the area I was assured was the correct place, I noted lots and lots of motorcycles surrounding the place we used to come for fish. Looking across, I noted buildings but they looked different than I remembered. I asked one of the men standing by a bike if he knew where the hall where receptions were held here in Prairietown and he assured me I should cross the highway and continue on the road I was on. Wrong. I never should have listened. I drove and drove and finally turned into a drive at a farmhouse. I honked and a kind gentleman came out and assured me I had to go back the way I came till I came to the highway and then I’d know where to go.

Well, I did just that but when I got back to the highway, there were now so many motorcycles that I could hardly see the road. In utter frustration, I turned ‘west’. I only knew that because the indicator in my car told me so. I drove and drove until I came to Route 159 and was firmly convinced I had been where I belonged so I turned around and drove all the way back again. And, yes, as I crossed the country road, I saw the sign pointing to the hall.

I’d only wasted about forty-five minutes and was now sure I’d be late to the next family gathering, but I knew that I needed to turn in and go to this celebration. I’ll admit plenty of folks teased me about ‘getting lost’ and I readily admitted my ‘goof’.

Later when I left there, I found my way back to highway 159, made my way to Bunker Hill, made my left turn in the downtown area, and sure enough found my way to the sign for Woodburn Road and turning left and continuing for a few more miles, arrived at the second destination.

If you are wondering why I am reciting these frustrating events, let me share some of my thoughts. I said I was frustrated. I wasn’t really angry or frightened. I did ask God to calm me down and help me figure out where I had gone wrong and travel with me and keep me safe. Somehow that made me feel much better in spite of a feeling of being ‘lost’ when I felt that I should know what I should be doing. I did smile as I thought what the conversation was between Bill and I when we made a mistake in directions. I was all for asking and Bill was sure we’d get there eventually. And my father always remarked, “All roads come out somewhere. Don’t worry.”

Now as I think about the desperation that comes sometimes when we feel ourselves ‘lost, another idea pops into my mind. What I am wondering is if many of us on occasion, find ourselves ‘lost’ and going the wrong direction in our faith journey. We all know what we want as our ultimate goal, but do we stray from the path and on occasion find ourselves ‘lost’ and in desperation turning to our God for direction, for protection, and for guidance?

On a country road where I was sure I knew what I was doing, I was wrong. I made mistakes and ‘yes’; I ended up lost and confused.

In our world so full of choices, so full of temptations, so full of ‘things’, the question we need to ask ourselves is, “Are we walking in God’s way or have we become lost in a world of material things, often immoral ways, and sometimes just walking with no plan or direction for our lives?"

I still find comfort in the small picture on my dresser. It has stood there for many, many years. In fact, it was a gift from our pastor when I was confirmed. It is of Jesus standing at the door and knocking.

Each and every day as I see it, I am reminded that I am not alone, but the first thing I must do is to open that door to my heart and mind, and allow Jesus, my Savior, to come into my life.

When we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we may become lost in traffic, lost in many worldly ways, but never ever separated or lost from God’s care.

And with that assurance, some of the inconveniences, the problems, even the feeling of loss whether it be in direction while driving or direction in how we are focusing in our choices, we need never fear, because we are never alone. God has promised to be with us forever and while I might not trust the directions of the next individual I ask when I’m confused, I know that God will never lead me astray. He will lead, guide, protect, strengthen, love and yes, even forgive me. What more can I ask? In response to such love, I need to ask myself how I am to I live my day-to-day life to live in accordance with God’s will?

We sing the hymn “Oh Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end, be thou forever near me my master and my friend”. It is my hope and prayer for myself and for you also, that those words really are a promise and not just ‘words in a song’. If so, I don’t think we’ll get lost because we will never be truly alone when God is with us.