Traveling across town and other places I have not been before

I set out on Saturday morning for a holiday brunch with the small Bible study group I attend.  I was going to my new friend Christi's house, requiring me to travel into unknown territory on another side of town. For the navigationally-challenged like myself, that is always an adventure. She texted me her address. Thirty-three minutes.  Give or take.

But I still had no idea where I was going.

I entered her address onto the little screen.  And I proceeded to the first intersection.  "Turn right," the digital navigator told me.

I had no option, but to trust a voice that I did not know.

When the exits came quicker, and the turns more frequent, I knew I had to be getting close.

"In 500 feet, turn left," the digital voice directed.  I immediately moved into the turn lane at the light.  And I immediately realized that I had moved too soon. I was about to make a wrong turn. The intersection I needed was not at the traffic light, but indeed, a short distance ahead at the next side street which was not what I expected.

I pulled back into traffic and drove a short distance further.  As I waited to turn, I realized how often my anxious thoughts get in the way of how God is guiding me.  And how often as a result of trying to hurry things up, or make things right, or even trying to fix things that I have already messed up, I turn too soon. 

And in that turning too soon, well, I am glad that I know a God of not just a million second chances, but a God who encourages U-turns.  I have taken Him up on that, far too many times.  O LORD, have mercy on me a sinner.

I was going to a place I had not been before,
but I ended up in a place I've been too often:
    not listening to God's voice in unknown territory
and sometimes ignoring His direction
                     when I think that I've already got this.

It is all unknown territory,
                               but just to me.
God knows the way.
I just need to listen to His voice
            and not turn too soon.

I still have no idea where I am going.
               But I can trust Him.

Trust in the LORD
      with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make straight your paths.

                       Proverbs 3. 5-6