Control Towers
"I intend to follow I-20 east to Columbia, South Carolina," I replied confidently. Though 50 miles off course, I was now in control, and could easily find my way.
"Many people confuse the two interstate highways, so I just wanted to guide you to the correct one," he instructed politely before continuing. "It all looks the same from above."
I acknowledged his instructions and dismissed him with a nervous laugh and a 'thank you'. I felt ashamed for getting lost, but nonetheless certain I could find my way to Columbia. Suddenly the familiar and friendly voice interrupted my thoughts.
"If you intend to follow I-20, turn to a heading of 270 degrees and you should see it," he hinted gently, after noticing I was again heading in the wrong direction.
There I was, heading directly south instead of east. The man in the Florence, SC tower was more than patient with the errant pilot, but still had time to correct my course. He offered his undivided attention to illustrate the distance to the highway, and stood by until I acknowledged seeing it. All the while, I thanked him silently for keeping me on his radar.
How often do we find this illustrating our relationship with God? We realize our pilgrimage is not headed in the right direction, and we call upon the Lord for guidance. A little prayer and Bible study and we head back out armed with a compass. Confident in our new course, we suddenly find that all too familiar voice telling us we have erred again.
Even with Bible reading, church service, and prayer, we can still lack discipline. Too many activities; church, family, and work can take our focus off the Lord. Without focus, we try to interpret His will with terrible results.
Without true undivided attention on the Lord, we can lose our way to the whims of any of many distractions. In that airplane, I had a compass, radio navigation equipment, and a good map. Even with this required equipment, I became distracted and disorganized. I even had the 'hot line' to the tower, constant reproof, and still became disoriented.
God provides for us a focal point. With that goal, He gave us the required tools to reach it. Constant prayer, Bible study, and living a God centered life will prevent incorrect course changes. But even if we err, God is right there providing the directions to the road back. I thank Him constantly for the undivided attention and for Him ever keeping me on His radar.
Related Tags: guide, flying, god, novel, spirit, lead, airport, holy, airplane
About the Author: Jeffrey W. Bennett is the Founder and director of LayMentor Ministries. This ministry is dedicated to training church and other volunteer leaders to be more effective. Jeff speaks and writes on similar concepts taught in most MBA courses and makes it easy to adapt to all leadership levels. The volunteer drives our churches and communities and the impact can be amazing. For PowerPoint presentations of this article, visit http://www.jeffreywbennett.com/index_files/resources.htm He is also the author of the Missionary/Adventure novel Under the Lontar Palm available on line at http://www.jeffreywbennett.com or in major and online bookstores.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- 21 Benefices Of Rahu Unplugged
The name of Rahu first appears in the Mahabharata when we read the story of the churning of the ocea - Black Magic Spells
Black magic is the principle idea of practicing of magic which represents on assumed spiteful powers - The 3 Ways To Increase The Amazing Grace Of God Upon Your Life
The Amazing grace of God, which is the unmerited favour of God and blessings has been given to all a - The Final Days And Death Of The Buddha
After he reached enlightenment under the Bodhi tree Siddhartha Gautama carried on preaching his mess - Is The Bible The Word Of God
Have you ever wondered if the bible really is the word of God? There are so many religious activitie - India Post Ayodhya Issue Verdict -a Metaphor In Astrological Terms
As the day for the pronouncement of the judgment is drawing near so is the pulse of India on an incr - Where Have All The Burnt Stones Gone?
I was useless at mathematics when I was at school, but by the time I attended Business School I had - Self Improvement Articles - Learning How to Hypnotise Someone Will Change Your Life!
In the past peoples views about hypnosis tended to involve a clock being swung in front of somebody' - Christianity Articles - The Wicked Shall be Turned into Hell
David, in Psalms 9:17, made this statement: "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nati - Buddhism Articles - Let the Arrow Fly
(This little tale is about life, and how we look in all the wrong places for our contentment).
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Passion
A great shift is in the making: A time for very deep purification and cleansing from the inner core - I Love You
Dear Loved Ones,Good day to you all on this wonderful day full of life and love.Let us all open up o - Spiritual Enlightenment: Alchemical Secret To Going Beyond Humanity To Become An Immortal Exposed
This article reveals the “SECRET WISDOM” in the teachings of all world SPIRITUAL t - Energy Vampire?
Could you, or maybe someone you know; be habitually Driven by anxiety or fear? Could you, or mayb - Automatic Tithing
Last year we went on a two-week trip to the West African country of Nigeria. This is Miata's father - Kabbalah-Way of The Heart
Newton, Jung, Freud, Shakespeare, Blake, and Pythagoras what do they all have in common? These great - Dream Interpretation from a Bible Story
How well do you remember your dreams? Do you pay attention to it by the time you wake up? Everyday, - Healing into Light - The Purification of Individuals and of the Earth
Today, many people on the planet are in need of healing and are suffering through difficult times - - If You Can Read This, Thank A Teacher
Recently the TV news bulletin announced that hundreds of teachers are getting burned out and moving - The Holy Grail - Why It Doesn't Matter
What would you think if I said that I had completely and conclusively solved the mystery of the Holy