Map My Life

I was running one day last week, more like fast walking if compared to my kids who run every stinking day, and using an app on my phone that maps the route, distance and time. My favorite feature about this app is that each time you tick a mile, a female voice announces your progress and the time that you have covered this new distance. It’s not much, but it works for me because I can track my rate and compare my time against a previous run.

So, last week I was running in a quiet neighborhood and knew that I should be hearing that wonderful declaration again at any moment, but all I got was two lawnmowers going at full tilt on the yards I was passing. I held my phone to my ear, waiting to hear the voice. The mowers seemed to be getting louder as I progressed, then I turned a corner and passed some trees and the world was quiet again. Missed it. I had to run another whole mile just to hear her again.

While waiting for the next marker I was thinking about how difficult it was to hear when the noise was right up on me, but all I needed to do was turn a corner and go a tad further for it all to die down again. My mind jumped to my relationship with Christ and the practical application was obvious. So often I say that I am waiting to hear his voice/answer/plan on an issue but then allow myself to stay surrounded by chaos and noise. I have the ability to keep myself distracted for days, even weeks, at a time if need be. Perhaps it is as simple as turning the corner and going a tad further to get back to the peace and quiet so I can hear His voice to help guide me home.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8