“Who is wise? One who Learns from Every Person ... or Thing”

Here’s how my GPS works.

1. Input your Destination. My GPS requires me identify and express my desired location.
2. Create a Path. My GPS locates me, locates my destination, and calculates the most efficient path for me to reach my destination.
3. Track and Guide. The GPS tracks my progress and guides me on my path.
4. Recalculate. If I veer from my path, my GPS pauses, recalculates, and gives me an alternative path to reach my destination.
5. Celebrate the Arrival. The only emotive verbal instruction from my GPS is when the computer voice utters the word “destination.”

Life Lesson #1 – Input Your Destination

You are blessed with a precious and unique soul. You are gifted a life to shape and to create. You are the inheritor of unprecedented freedom and resource. Understand that your life is completely in your hands. Each day is blank canvas—an unwritten scroll. You design your own life. Begin today by inputting your destination. What do you want to do with your life? When your life force begins to fade, what accomplishments will bring ultimate satisfaction of a life well lived? Put it down on paper. Input your destination.

Life Lesson #2 - Create a Path

After Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, Adam hides. God asks Adam, “Where are you?” God knows Adams location. This same Biblical narrative claims that God is omniscient. God is asking Adam to answer the question. God is asking Adam to take a hard look at his life and his situation. In order to begin walking a spiritual path toward your destination, you have to first locate yourself. Your path ends at your destination. Your path begins right where you are.

My GPS provides me with precise, clear, and accurate directions to my destination. My spiritual path is less certain. There are two ways to create a spiritual path. One is through introspection and prayer. The other is securing a mentor / guide to help you formulate a path of study and direction.

Life Lesson #3 – Track and Guide

Once you’re on a spiritual journey, you will need tracking and guidance. You will need a source or a system for feedback, accountability and integrity. This is a role for a teacher or a guide. This is a role for your family, friends, partners and co-workers. Become a part of a community that will provide support and inspiration—tracking and guidance.

Life Lesson #4 – Recalculate

“To be human is to err.” We will wander off of our paths. When we err, pause. Take a moment to reflect on our mistake. Fix it. Apologize. Repent. Your journey begins again from this new place. Do not adjust the destination. Do not give up the journey. Do not compromise your dreams and ideals. Then, recalculate the path to your destination from wherever you are.

Celebrate the Arrival

Life is a journey, and there can be rest stops on the way. Be aware of your own growth. Appreciate and commemorate your accomplishment.

© Ranon Teller 2008

Sermon Classification: 46

Key Words: Goals, spiritual path, guidance, making mistakes, refocusing, reaching intended goals