Jim and I spent the first part of January 2023 in Israel, while the situation there was less volatile than it is now. Jim had a penchant for getting lost in thought (or absorbed in photography) while on this trip. At one stop, the bus pulled away from the curb with me yelling, “We’re not all here!” Jim had gotten sidetracked trying to find a no-pay toilet and almost missed the bus. At another stop, he disappeared down a side street and went into a museum. When our tour director found him, he was looking at architectural photos, totally oblivious to the time.
But Jim’s ultimate lostness occurred in Jerusalem. Our tour guide’s legs were longer and faster than ours, so keeping up was a challenge. Before we left the bus, the guide boasted he’d never lost anyone in Jerusalem. That day, Jim proved him wrong.
Our group was beside another as we walked the Via Dolorosa. Although they sang in another language, we knew the hymn tunes and sang along with them. I had my eyes glued to the people at the end of our group. Jim stopped to snap a few pictures. I didn’t look back until I said something, and Jim didn’t answer. He was nowhere to be seen. I jogged up to one of our leaders and reported him AWOL. With the help of cell phones, our pastor eventually found Jim.
Have you ever been lost or felt as if you were?
Here are some things to remember:
Don’t Panic
Our pastor ended his phone conversation with Jim the day of his lostness in Jerusalem with the words, “Stay where you are. Don’t move!” However, when he arrived at the designated meeting place, Jim was not there. I suppose he had a few moments of panic and decided to figure things out on his own.
Learning not to panic when crises arise takes thoughtful attention and practice. Many life situations exist that we can’t worm our way out of on our own. Sometimes, you need help to regain forward motion.
Ask for Directions
In the days before GPS, when paper maps were often outdated, Jim and I got lost on backroads after leaving a highway that had turned into a parking lot. I could tell we were headed in the wrong direction, but Jim felt certain a cut-through road was just up ahead. Several times, we passed a country store or one-pump gas station. “Don’t you want to stop and ask directions,” I asked.
Now, most of you women know there is something about the male ego that makes asking for directions a sign of failure. So, on we traveled further away from our destination.
Do you feel lost and unsure about what to do next? Do you need a counselor? Have you prayed about your current situation? In road travel, and in life, asking for direction is not a sign of weakness.
Don’t Trust Your Own Powers of Navigation
As mentioned earlier, life before GPS, and cell phones, equaled lots of opportunity for lostness. Navigating by landmarks is risky because landmarks may change. A roundabout could replace that familiar turn. Barnwood Builders may move that dilapidated barn you’ve always used as a reference. That new bridge that shoots you off above an often-traveled highway is confusing.
On the few occasions when I’ve been lost, I usually think I can overcome my lostness with my own knowledge. Surely, I will recognize where I am at the next crossroads. Maybe this next turn is the right one. And as each next turn yields nothing familiar, I realize my powers of navigation aren’t that great.
Navigating life on your own is a tricky proposition. We need a navigation partner who sees the full picture and has already mapped the best travel plan for our journey; we need God.
Utilize the Wisdom of a Guide
Time estimation was not one of Jim’s strong points, so when a travel guide said, “Be back on the bus in 30 minutes,” for Jim, that translated to I have lots of time to explore! What Jim didn’t realize was sticking to the schedule was important. Even a five-minute delay might mean missing the entry time for the next site. The guide had experience with the pitfalls of tardiness and other aspects of tight scheduling. His wisdom was crucial to smooth travel.
Are you prone to getting lost? Do you need someone to guide you? Many people don’t grasp the concept that we are born lost. We are children of a sin-nature, wandering, lost, and in need of a Savior.
In His great wisdom and mercy, God sent a Savior, Jesus, to redeem us, guide us, and walk with us through times of grief, loneliness, fear, and lostness.
Loss, Lost, or Found
“I’m sorry for your loss” is a common phrase, one which I have heard frequently in the past year. Yes, there is a sense of loss, but thankfully, I know Jim is not lost. I know exactly where he is, and he will never find himself lost again.
What about you? Are you lost, or have you found eternal freedom from lostness.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10 NLT).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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