My life till late was content being a Spectator - enjoying sights and sounds on every road journey. The pleasure was all mine to dream or doze as I would choose. My thoughts or speech needed no rein when the steering lies in 'another' hand. 'Backbenchers' dont take responsibility for Enroute Choices or Decisions. The status quo has changed ever since I started to learn driving.
Learning to drive is truly an experience by itself. Driving in Oman is nothing less than a challenge. Just in case you didn't know, the traffic mortality rates in Oman are soaring like never before. In order to earn your driving license, you need to clear a 'Drum and Slope' test as well as the 'Road Test'. Follow the rules, Focus and Persevere have become keywords in the 'Learning to drive' saga of my life.
Those of you 'Drivers' reading my post know what driving entails -
Follow Directions to reach the Destination : I have to follow traffic rules and also need to be sure of the directions to my destination. If I doubt the directions I need to trust a reliable companion to help me find the way.
Focus and Persevere: I have learned much about this ever since my driving lessons. I am required to be Alert with a capital 'A'. My initial challenge was to remain on 'my' lane. Though the lane markings guide me, I was often tempted to stray when I 'feel' a vehicle alongside mine. I cannot be carried away by the 'Sights and Sounds' along the way. I have to fix my eyes ahead and keep going in the right direction.
Maintaining the right perspective has become essential. If all I did was look through the rear view mirror, I would lose sight of what lay ahead. What lies behind me is not as important as what lies ahead except when I need to reverse.
The journey ends when I reach my destination : I cannot give up or give in till I reach my destination.
I could not help but draw n analogy to our journey of Faith. As with any journey on earth,
I need to follow Directions to reach my Heavenly Destination.
In my journey from life to death and on to eternity,I have not been left behind to find my way. Jesus is The Way. The Bible is my 'Instruction cum Direction Manual'. The Holy Spirit is an ever present companion revealing the truth of the Written word. I cannot be lost as long as I listen to the still small voice.
John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:26 NIV But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I have to focus and persevere.
As I run the race of faith there are enough sights and sounds that tempt, stall or discourage me. I am often bogged down by all that life throws at me -maybe its the family,finances or friends. Maybe it is the neighbours stinking attitude (not to mention the disgust at my own attitudes).
Through it all we are reminded in
Hebrews 12 v 1-2 - Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Maintaining the right perspective is another challenge :
Too often the rear view mirror looms large ! My past Fame or its Shame can take me on a tangent. The rear view mirror needs our attention when we need to repent. It also reminds us to be grateful for all that lies behind. Nevertheless, we cannot remain in the past. You and I have to move on to all that lies ahead, to all that God has called us to.
Acts 3:19 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Psalm 103:2 NIV Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--
Journeys End :I know for sure that my journey here below will not stretch forever. Just as all journeys on earth come to close, my race of faith will reach its finishing line. Yet unlike journeys here below, I cannot determine my expected time of arrival.As much as I long for my heavenly home, God has fixed my date and time of arrival.
John 14 v 2-3
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
If you can capture the joy and relief of reaching home after a long long journey, it will give you but a meagre glimpse of what it would be like for the journey to end. I pray for myself and for you dear friend that till that moment arrives, you will Follow directions, Focus and Persevere on to your heavenly home.
