previously published on blog.momentswithmissy.com on September 21, 2016

When you get lost, what do you do? Do you ask someone for directions? Do you roam around until you figure it out and eventually find your way to your destination? Do you get frustrated and pull over to the side, to look at a map? Do you call that trusted individual who knows their way around anywhere? Maybe you pray and ask God to give you wisdom to understand the directions you’ve already been given. What do you do? More importantly, what are your results? Do you make it to your destination?

The concept of being physically lost holds true for being lost in life. At some point, everyone gets lost. Everyone has experienced not knowing where they are and being unsure if they’ll get where they need to be. We have all experienced the frustration of not understanding the directions we’ve been given or the frustration of not being given directions at all. Some of us reach out to others for help. Some of us try to sort things out on our own. Some of us pray. Some of us are too proud to ask for help. Too scared to ask the stranger along the way for guidance. So where does that leave us? What are the results? Do we get to our destination? Do we give up and go back home? Do we even know how to get home?

We question if the trip was worth it. We question if the people we ask directions of know what they’re talking about. We question if we have enough gas to take us where we’re going. We question if the areas we travel through are safe. We feel fear. We get frustrated and often experience anger. And definitely, we are tempted to give up on our journey. But I think the more important question is whether or not we are serious about where it is we’re trying to go. What are we willing to do to reach our destination?

The Journey of Life is a complicated one. Sometimes we know exactly where we’re going, we’re familiar with what’s around us and things go quite smoothly. Other times, we are lost and uncertain. We don’t have answers and we are confused about what our next move should be. We can’t be afraid to ask for direction. To seek out the answers we need to make it to our what and why. We must find and focus on our purpose – what matters. We can’t be afraid to be vulnerable and to let people know when we need their help.

I have had to learn, by being lost in life, how to seek out help. My nature is one in which I will struggle and struggle and struggle to find out the answers on my own. I hate to give up. I hate to appear weak. I hate to have not figured out the answer and someone else come along and point it out so easily. I would do everything I could before I involved someone else. I’m still very independent and I love a good challenge; but I am now willing to ask for help. I now realize that spinning my wheels is a waste of time and energy. I’m quick to express when I’m frustrated and will ask for help with matters that are too difficult for me. Why waste time? Why do something on my own when God has provided so many to offer direction?

I’ve learned the value of being lost. Usually, when I am lost and unsure, it is an opportunity to learn. I have learned so much because I have sought out insight and wisdom from others. I have gained beautiful relationships with trustworthy, mature, solid individuals. I have become less preoccupied with how I’m seen by others and more concerned with what I’m doing, where I’m going and the state I’m in when I get there. In simple terms, I have grown up.

We have to set aside our pride and our fear and make the quality of our lives important. I understand that people will betray your trust. I understand that people will give you bad advice and horrible counsel. I have been there. This is why it’s so important to take some time and discover who you are and what it is you want. This helps you to stay centered and focused. When you receive bad directions that contradict who you are, who God wants you to be, and where it is you’re going, you will know not to follow those directions.

Get and stay in tune with you. Learn how to better enjoy your life without being so distracted by what’s going on around you. Ask for help. Get directions when available. But more importantly, commit to your journey. Commit to where you’re going. Commit to being a better version of you. Refuse to waste time wondering around in confusion. Surround yourself with mature, like-minded people. Connect with a mentor and receive wise counsel.

You are in control of your life. You are in control of your decisions. You are powerful and capable of so much more than you realize. Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t forfeit all the blessings and beautiful experiences life has to offer. Do your best to live your best life.

Hope Always,

💜Missy