It is well known that many men never ask for directions. I happen to be a member of that particular gentlemen’s club, but for good reason: I like the feeling of accomplishment upon reaching my destination without assistance from GPS or Siri (although it is very kind of Siri and GPS to offer their services!)
I love maps. I enjoyed studying global and national maps in school. I had fun with childhood friends creating our own “treasure” maps. But I really get engrossed with studying the atlas. I like seeing where varying cities and states in our country are in relation to each other, or discovering that a certain city wasn’t in the part of its state that I thought it was. Maps are cool. Most of the time they offer guidance in traveling to unfamiliar locations.
In daily living, we rely on a different kind of map or atlas for direction. For me, it is God’s Word. I begin every day with scripture, devotion and prayer. In this, I have a clearer path of what the day might bring. However, sometimes the path is like driving on a dark, unfamiliar and lonely country road at night. Eventually, lights from a town or community appear on the horizon and feelings of safety and assurance ensue; very much in the way The Star, leading to Bethlehem, guided the shepherds and Wise Men.
When I’m driving to an unfamiliar locale, I love my maps. When I’m navigating daily living, I love my Divine Atlas. And with the powerful love of the Savior born in Bethlehem, I am never ashamed to ask for directions.
Robert Fasol, Organist and Choirmaster
