How to Turn a Car

In their hearts humans plan their course,

    but the Lord establishes their steps.  Proverbs 16:9 NIV

            My high school class just celebrated their 40^th reunion. Although I was not able to attend, the pictures and faces from the Facebook pages brought back a flood of memories. Some even made me smile on the outside.

            It was early May of 1978, and the rigors of dress rehearsals for the spring musical “Mame” were beginning to take their toll. This was the time for pranks and practical jokes. Most were in fun; some were just plain classics. There was the time that a few of the gentlemen sneaked into the ladies changing room while they were on stage and switched around everyone’s clothes. The ladies retaliated by sewing all of our jean legs shut, the innocent included. And a good time was had by all. (Notice that names have been omitted because no one was really innocent.)

            One of the better pranks was when some of the gentlemen put another student’s VW Bug directly midpoint between two trees. There was just enough room for it to fit with a foot or so between each bumper. (To be honest, I cannot take credit for this one. I must have been detained elsewhere.) It was surprisingly easy to put it there. VW Bugs are comparatively light, so five or six strapping young men could easily carry it into position. As I remember, it took the driver over an hour of back and forth maneuvering to get it free.

One thing I have noticed about cars is that they are much easier to guide when they are moving. Try turning a car sitting still! Depending on the vehicle, and your age, it might take the whole neighborhood to do it. It can be done, but it is a lot of work! On the other hand, if you start the engine and put it in gear, it is a simple matter of turning the steering wheel.

            It reminds me of how many Christians go through their life.  They need a job. They want to find the perfect soulmate. They want out of their rut. The list goes on. They want God to show them the way so they know what to do, yet they basically just sit there, both physically and figuratively.

There are times where God just picks you up and turns you around. Yet in my experience, it is when I am out doing something that God does the guiding. He may even have me do a U-turn, but it is always much easier when I am busy doing what I know to do at that moment. Need guidance from God? Pray. Then go help someone. Love people. Be his hands and feet. You might be pleasantly surprised where you end up! Remember that verse you learned as a child?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

It is still works, even after all these years…