I
have been using my friend Suzi’s book on her journey through grief as my
devotional guide the past few months. Recently, I read her essay about paths and ruts which, in essence, asked the
question, “What are you doing with your life?”
As
I read that day, I thought the topic was particularly appropriate as we enter a new year, and I have found it
to be of particular interest to me in this season of life. However, guarding
against getting stuck in a rut is something everyone needs to consider and what better time than at the start of a new year.
I
read somewhere that a rut (in life) is a coffin open at both ends—or something to
that effect. Hence, my advice to self and friends to avoid getting in a rut.
Change is generally not a particularly comfortable stage to go through, but it’s
necessary in climbing out of a rut and the discomfort definitely lets you know
you are alive—as opposed to staying in that rut of complacency.
So
as I muse aloud (in print), I ask myself (and you friends), “What are my dreams
or aspirations or purpose in life?” No matter how old we might be, as long as we have
breath, God does not intend for us to just sit in that comfortable rut. Or
maybe it’s not so comfortable but we’re afraid to make the effort to climb out
of it.
We
have all been gifted in some fashion by God. Are we using that gifting as He
intends? If you haven’t a clue about His intentions, try asking Him. He is not shy in letting us
know something when we earnestly seek Him.
Suzi’s
devotional used the examples of the apostle Paul being led by God’s Spirit to
change directions and head for Macedonia and God assuring Jacob that going to
Egypt would result in blessings for his family. That tells us we don’t need to
fear that inner nudge to change direction on a path or even to blaze a new one.
Just don’t let the path become a rut.
