I was in charge of navigation as we headed up I64 to the mountains of Virginia. We were trying to fit in a camping trip before the campgrounds closed for the season and this was the perfect few days to head out before rain was predicted. The leaves were just starting to change colors but the daytime temperatures were still quite pleasant.

As we zipped along, I noticed something on the travel app we were using. There was a warning about an accident up ahead and we were being rerouted to go around the stopped traffic. We happily followed the new directions to get out of sitting in stopped traffic.

I was curious about what else lay ahead of us on this new route, so I scrolled ahead on the map. I could see lakes and shopping areas. Schools and places to eat and shop. I scrolled and scrolled until I realized I was nowhere near our current position on the map. Luckily for me, there was a small icon at the bottom of the screen.

Re-Center

I tapped on it and was immediately taken to where I needed to be – our current position. I chuckled to myself, realizing I try to scroll ahead way too often in life too. I like to know what is coming so I can plan ahead.

Now don’t get me wrong, as an Organizing Coach, I don’t think there is anything wrong with planning ahead. That is, unless I lose my perspective of where I am. I have a tendency to forge ahead, making my own plans and not checking in with God daily to make sure I’m on the right road and heading in the right direction. I can easily scroll along in my mind and lose track of where I am and what I’m supposed to be doing that is right in front of me.

I’m very easily distracted by what is ahead and that can cause a few problems.

1. I forget where I am and what I’m supposed to be doing (disobedience)
2. I can easily become discontent with where I am and what I have (envy)
3. I can lead others astray by setting a bad example (stumbling block)
4. I can become impatient and try to rush God and His plans (which is never successful, by the way)

Thankfully, God has a re-center button. He invites me to come to Him. I can re-center my mind by focusing on Him, relying on Him, and resting in His promises for me. I can renew my mind daily in His Word and talk to Him regularly.

He is always there for me, waiting for me to realize I’ve gone astray and longing to be back in the center of His plans for my life.