Direction and Purpose

I was challenged this week to think about the big picture.  It’s not something that comes naturally.  I’m a list and schedule kind of gal. I love getting lost in the intricacies of the details and building processes.  I also function each day based off of my calendar and the task list that I have to accomplish. Big picture thinking?  I typically don’t have that on my schedule. However, I realize that it is an essential ingredient to an abundant life.   I remember a few years ago when our small group went for hike in the woods with all of the kids. It had just finished raining. The water droplets were dangling on the leaves and there was a light mist in the air. There were streams, waterfalls, and the sounds of nature all around us. The scenery was so beautiful! It was truly one of the most amazing places I have ever been. However, I found was that I was so focused on my next step that I totally ignored the beauty around me. Since it had just stopped raining, special attention had to be paid toward navigating the terrain. I found that I was so focused on my own footing and helping the kids take their next steps that I had no idea where we were going nor was I enjoying the experience. It was just work.  Once I realized what was happening, I changed how I approached the hike. I decided to walk a few steps, pause to take in the beauty of my surroundings, and then determine which direction we needed to head toward next. It was only then that I was really able to enjoy the experience. An added bonus? I was still able to make sure that I didn’t tumble down the mountainside. That would not have been pretty.

Left unchecked, my life can easily be like that trip in the woods. With schedules, work, kids, and family obligations, I am so easily distracted by the next thing that needs to be done on my list. I have to constantly remember to lift my head up, enjoy the experience and think about the big picture. Thinking about the big picture will help ensure that I have direction and purpose in my life.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
                                                                                              John 16:13