Recalculating…

I have issues trusting technology. I enjoy technology, but when possible, I’ll have a back-up plan. It must be the (recovering) control freak in me. Couple that with growing up with a dad who shared his enjoyment of maps and travel…and I like to see a map of where I’m going. If I can get oriented and have an idea of where I’m going, I’ll rarely get turned around.

So, when my friend Kim wanted to use her new phone to guide us to the women’s conference where we were presenting, I was hesitant to say the least. My maps were printed and in the rental car console – but Kim was so excited and she wanted to be helpful – so I agreed to let the GPS guide us.

Did I tell you this was Kim’s new phone? Did I mention Kim is technologically-challenged?

As we ventured down the road, I checked my printed directions against Gidget’s (yes, we named her, giving her a California name in honor of her first trip). First turn – she was correct. Second turn – correct. Third turn – correct. I set aside my printed directions, threw caution to the wind, and put my trust in Gidget.

We had a small blip when I turned into a mall parking lot although Gidget intended me to turn 20 yards later. Kim and I nearly peed our pants as I drove in circles, listening to Gidget recalculate, tell us to take the next legal U-turn, and even laugh at us. Yes, Gidget laughed at us. It sounded like a sudden electronic gurgle. We thought perhaps she was about to explode. I started behaving, and we got back on track.

Once on the interstate, we relaxed, set Gidget aside, and enjoyed catching up with each other. We live a state apart and only see each other when presenting together at women’s events. We thoroughly enjoy our play work time. The words and stories rolled by with the miles until Gidget interjected, notifying us to turn in 7 miles.

And then Gidget died. No sound. Black screen. Nothing.

Kim looked at me in panic.

I looked at her with a stern “I told you so.”

She scrambled to turn her phone on, re-establishing contact with Gidget before we missed our turn. We barely made it and spent the next several minutes trying to figure out what had happened and how quickly it would happen again.

Kim reasoned, “My phone shouldn’t have turned off by itself. It’s not set to shut down until 11 p.m. every night!”

“Kim?”

“What?”

“It is 11 p.m. right now where you live. We’re on Pacific time.”

“Oh.” Kim glanced at me as if to say, “Am I in really big trouble?”

I had yielded control and nearly got lost…but it was totally worth the risk.

Of course, God knew just where I was and I trusted him. And my friendship with Kim deepened, too, because (1) I’d given her my trust and (2) we’d survived yet another adventure together.

When I embrace God’s journey for me,

• I trust where I am as he navigates me.
• I stay engaged through my obedient relationship with him.
• I savor the hills and valleys of the journey.
• I share the journey with others.

I don’t always trust technology…but  I trust God. He’s my GPS – God’s Purposeful Steps. He’s the only GPS I fully trust with myself, my journey, my life. My GPS never shuts off and leaves me stranded!

Sorry, Gidget, but I’m upgrading!

What GPS will you use today?

When people’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with their ways. Psalm 37:23 (NCV)

Susan Lawrence

Susan Lawrence is passionate about pouring into women and loves to equip and encourage them – as individuals and teams – through writing, speaking, and training. She’s in her sweet spot when she’s inspiring women to seek God’s purpose for their lives, growing in purposeful and healthy ways. As a Women’s Ministry Consultant, Susan equips women in leadership to meet the needs of other women while balancing their own needs. She's written three Bible studies: Pure Purpose, Pure Emotion and Pure Growth, as well as Farm Days, a collection of memories from her childhood growing up on the family farm in central Illinois. (Studies are available through Amazon, BN.com, and www.PurePurpose.org.) In addition to being involved in local women’s ministry for many years, she’s developed and edited resources and coordinated trainings and networking for international ministries and denominations. Susan also works with individuals to assess writing goals and edits books and resources in preparation to meet those goals. Susan lives with in central Illinois with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters in college. Susan loves dark chocolate and long walks, especially when her toes are in sand! You can follow Susan on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter. One of Susan’s favorite verses is Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. She loves that God gives her opportunities to live out his will in her life every day!"

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