My GPS and I have an interesting relationship.  It tells me what roads I need to take and I follow . . . sometimes.

If I miss my turn, it reminds me to “make a legal u-turn” and get back on track.  Sometimes it revises its directions and has me make a right turn to get back to the road I’m supposed to be on (the road I thought I was on – but wasn’t).

I have to rely on my GPS to get me to my destination, because I have a terrible sense of direction.  I have no idea if I’m traveling south or east.  I don’t know what my destination should look like because I’ve never been there before.

My GPS has the big picture and always knows where my car is.  It gives me directions shortly before I need them. . . “turn left on St. Paul’s Blvd. in 500 feet”.

Sometimes I argue with my GPS, accusing it of sending me the wrong way.  It does not respond to my arguments but continues to give me the directions I need but don’t understand.

My GPS reminds me, in some ways, of the Holy Spirit.  Sort of like the “Gentle Prodding Spirit”.  The Holy Spirit guides my heart and gives me directions and I follow. . . sometimes.

If I miss a turn, I’m directed to make a u-turn which may include making an apology, forgiving someone, or obeying a command.

He instructs me to make a right turn to get back on track – which may mean I need to serve or give, or just be available.

I have to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me because, on my own, I have a hard time knowing what direction to go in. In most cases I can’t even imagine the future because I haven’t been there before.

Sometimes I argue with Him as if it was His direction that led me the wrong way, when in reality, it was me who got off course.

The Spirit continues to give me directions and when I stop talking over that “still small voice”, I realize that His way is best and I really am on the right road.

When I listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His direction I realize that He has detoured me around a traffic jam or a construction zone that could have been dangerous or frustrating and full of delays or potholes.

Occasionally, my GPS has a problem getting satellite connections.  It’s not the GPS’s fault  it’s where my car is located.  My car is in a place where reception is blocked by other things.

Sometimes I block the Holy Spirit in my own life by letting obstacles interfere.  A busy schedule, relationships, or just laziness are constant blocking threats to my ability to hear Him.

In this new year of 2017, I wait in expectation to hear how The Lord will speak to me through the Spirit.  I can’t wait to see what direction He will send me in.  I know it will be an adventure I never imagined.