After living on the same street for 40 years, Kristine and I recently made a move. Nedra Drive was the street where our kids grew up. They learned to ride their bikes on that street. We played baseball on that street. It’s the only street they ever knew until they went out on their own. The last time I drove away from Nedra Drive was emotional.
In our new location, we are figuring out the best places to shop and eat. I’ve become quite familiar with the staff at the local home improvement store and many of the employees know me by my first name as I purchase items for our new home.
I’m also learning how to navigate our new neighborhood and learning new traffic patterns. From being able to drive on “autopilot,” I’m now having to be more conscientious and aware. I’m learning the 4-way stops and the intersections where stopping is not required. I’m having to drive with more intentionality.
In life, we sometimes go through times where we have to learn new “traffic patterns.” It might be receiving a cancer diagnosis or experiencing the loss of a loved one or friend. Your employer might have decided to “go a different direction” or close their doors.
The changes force us to find new ways of negotiating life. And there might be times when one must pull to the side of the road and assess how to move forward. Pulling to the side of the road and taking a moment before proceeding might be the best course of action.
Psalm 25:4-10 (KJV) Psalm 25:4-10
Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.
Good and upright is the Lord; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
Psalm 25 is a psalm from David as he calls out for God to give him direction. His request is for God to teach him the path and to lead him in truth.
In life, changing traffic patterns are inevitable. One either fights it and winds up in a collision or one learns new ways to live, move, and have our being. (Acts 17:28 KJV)
God might be moving you out of your comfortable neighborhood to a new location where He can use you in grander ways than you could have imagined. Embrace it and learn new traffic patterns of His grace.
Steve