Do You Know Where You Are Going?

Have you ever been lost?

Better yet, have you been the backseat driver when the driver is lost? Either way, it is quite frustrating. Panic sets in if alone; anger rears its ugly head when the driver promised they knew how to get there, but didn’t deliver.

I’ve been lost when driving a vehicle on numerous occasions. While it set me back for a bit, my logical thinking kicked in if I knew I was heading east or north. Some signs would eventually confirm my thoughts. Fear, though present, didn’t dominate in these situations.

It is much scarier in total darkness when there are no objects to help you find your way. However, My scariest experience of all, came about the summer after being diagnosed with a progressive eye disease. It happened during a mobility lesson at the Kansas Rehabilitation Center for the Blind. One summer during my college sessions, I ran into one of those occasions. My instructor blindfolded me and we went for a walk. The purpose was to begin learning sounds to cross the street. Still being partially sighted at the time, I wasn’t used to relying on my ears to tell direction of vehicles, my cane to detect curbs and every other item I’d encounter, nor my feet to sense topography and inclines. Somehow, I managed to feel I should have reached the other side. “How wide is this street?” I wondered.

Frustration built as seconds seemed like hours. Silence from my instructor seemed louder than the train sound of a tornado. Finally, I couldnt’ take it anymore. Right then, my cane hit an object.

From behind me, I heard Lisa say, “Try to figure out what you’re hitting.”

“Is it a car?” I questioned as my cane kept tapping. Simultaneously, my mind argued there was no way there could be a car facing this direction if I crossed the street correctly. Toggling between bewilderment and anger at not receiving more help from Lisa, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it out.

Since then, I’ve had opportunities without being blindfolded of being lost just standing in the middle of a large room. In the last couple of years, I can even get lost in my own home by turning around too fast. Whoa, girl. It is imperative to find a wall or object to clue you in on your position.

Every time I’ve gotten lost, I knew where I was heading. And, yes, my instructor finally let me know I had veered into a used car lot. No wonder I had troubles. It appears to me in life many get lost. Some find their way while others remain lost. Many don’t even realize they’re lost.

Do you know where you’re headed in life?
Do you have goals and just get set back occasionally or are you one who doesn’t even know you’re lost?
May I recommend the Bible as the object to let you know your position?
It not only gives you direction and purpose for life, it gives you a destination.

© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.