Good Directions

Tim and Bill were playing catch in a vacant lot on the edge of town when a car pulled up and stopped near them. "Can you direct me to the Tall Pines Nursing Home?" the driver asked.

"I can tell you," offered Tim when they stopped their game to come to the car, "but you'll have a hard time finding it." Then he started to give directions: "Go straight ahead to the fifth traffic light and turn left. Then turn right at the fire station. Left and right around ..."

"If you'd like," offered Bill, "we could get on our bikes and show you the way a lot easier." The driver was glad for the help, so the boys rode on ahead and showed the driver the way.

Now both boys knew how to get where they wanted to go. But just telling a total stranger was not enough. It made it a lot easier to go with him and take him to his address.

Jesus said, "I am the way" (John 14:6). He didn't come just to tell people how they might reach God. He came to show with his life, his love, his truth, and his good deeds just how people can get to know God and how to become his companion.

Jesus' way is paved with unselfishness, love, truth, service, and sacrifice. He even gave his life so that others who followed after him would know that he was right. Christ is our example to follow. He is our trail blazer. Following Christ can be as thrilling and as exciting as exploring a new country, climbing a mountain, or flying in an airplane. It is a sure way to happiness, for the signposts are clear and the directions never fail.

Guide me, O God, guide me to your house until I know every inch of the way by heart.