Direction

As I write I feel a bit clueless in terms of direction, especially in terms of work. Which is a bit of a problem. You see, each day I wake up thinking 'What do I do today?'. The immediate answer is, prayerfully, a simple and straightforward one - look for jobs. If I find any that seem slightly interesting I then proceed to the next obvious step and apply. Simple enough you might think. But, heres the current poser. What if that isn't the right step? What if I should attempt to get direction first and then plan from then on in. Isn't that a more practical process.

Let me address this in another way. I am particulary fond of the outdoors and hiking in particular. Hiking is a joyous and wonderful experience (for me at least :-p), bringing with it health, enrichment, solitude and fellowship in equal measure. It is brilliant! And yet, it is also perilous if not regarded with respect and wisdom. Only a fool would venture out onto the hills unprepared. A beautiful summers day can be replaced in an instant by a blanket of cloud bringing not only wind, rain or snow, but also zero visability. Before you know it you are cold, wet and have no idea where the previously obvious footpath is. If you haven't brought a map then you don't even know how to get down (by another route). If you haven't got warm clothes or waterproofs then you will lose heat rapidly and face the dangers of hypothermia and death. If you have no food or water then you are again in trouble. In other words without planning and preparation to go somewhere beautiful and wonderful can turn into a nightmare.

Of course, you could go walking unprepared and it could be fine. Beautiful summers day, no issues. And the same is true of my current career searching and job applications. I could just 'go with the flow' and something could turn up and that is the way to go. Or, should I learn from my hiking experience and take a step back and plan and think about the route to take and prepare myself before taking the plunge? I just don't know folks.

And yet, the Bible, God's truthful and wonderful word tells me that if I sit and endure patiently, and put my hope in the Lord He will make my paths straight. Surely that is more than any planning ever could amount to.