SIGNAGE!

For years I've had a fascination with signage. It's such a directional noun. Someone with an aka nickname of Ms Rand McNally has collected images during many travels.

Paring down has me finding many of those images.

Images circa 1998. Location England. Through a couple of roundabouts to a road filled with crossing signs. 

Today those distances seem to reflect life. It seems to be passing by as quickly as Diane, JoLynn and I cruised down those village roads. (Proverbs 3:2-4)

Just yesterday I was headed (running excitedly) to Virginia Street Elementary School with a friend. It's a good thing because Mother didn't get her driver's license until I was in 10th grade, I think.

Even more quickly than that our children had their own children to walk to the pre-school door, high school graduation and drop off at college.

Elderly. What a term. I'm there but I still don't like the term or the condescending glances I feel when I'm out and about.

But God reminded me: 

• Regardless of our ages Lord, Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom, (Psalm 90:12) 
• doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him,(Colossians 3: 17) 
• letting my adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.(1 Peter 3:4)

O God, when the time comes may I eagerly search for the perfect signage.

Highway to Heaven.

CHOOSE: A MAP FOR THE JOURNEY

Hubby has always dubbed me, "Ms Rand McNally" as I have such an affinity for maps. In this age, most people are GPS "driven," Not I. I prefer a good ole big fold out paper map or at least an atlas. You see, I like to "see" where I am going. The big picture. It helps me plan ahead for possibilities along the way. i.e. rest areas. Always handy for an OAB lady to know locations of closest bath rooms. Also, I don't want to miss a quaint place along the way that might not show up on the expressway/main highway driven Global Positioning Systems.

Often, I think a spiritual map would be helpful. As topographical maps explore twists and turns and note steep hills, one is able to "plan ahead." The Bible certainly gives direction for the most important destination, eternity---though not quite as clear in the daily of life. I'm sure there is a purpose in that. Too much exact info might lead to worry and dread so God wants us to focus on His presence in each of one's "present" moments. So.....He's given us direction to his heart. The Bible a map of His sovereign will. God's Positioning System.

When we reach those difficult climbs in midst of hard places---when we're struggling through those hard places, God wants us to remember He is there. (Zephaniah 3:7)

By His Spirit and through His people, (Psalm 27:13) God is there to guide us and show us the way. (Proverbs 3:6)

To those fighting their way to the "top" or other side of the bad diagnosis, grief from the death of a loved one or chosen path of a wayward child, know God never leaves or forsakes His loved ones. (Isaiah 41:10)
Find fellowship with other believers on the same side of the struggle. (1 Thessalonians 5:7)
Choose to share your "map" of the same journey with them. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

As my friend, sister in Christ and fellow MAC cancer survivor, Michèle Phoenix, says, "When you get to the "top" remember to call down to those on the way up, not to give up because the view from the top is fabulous. It's worth the climb."