Maps

Back in Junior High School, I took a class that taught me how to read, plot, and draw topographic maps. If you aren’t a map nerd like me, topographic maps show you the earth’s features in a certain location – slopes, valleys, etc – through a series of lines drawn to scale. The closer the lines, the steeper the slope. The further apart the lines, the gentler the slope. I was giddy with anticipation knowing that the class would culminate in a field trip where we would use various tools to plot a hill and then draw the associated topographic map. I would be a cartographer! Yep, I’m a nerd.

I’ve always had an affinity for maps. Especially the paper ones that take up the entire front seat of the car on road trips. They show us how to get somewhere despite not being able to see the entire journey right up front. They offer a step-by-step process with a built in safety net of alternate routes when something unexpected pops up. Maps are created by those who have gone ahead of us and were willing to share what they learned about the journey, making it a bit easier for those who follow.

As Administrative Professionals, we frequently rely on roadmaps. Looking ahead is a critical skill and in order to do that well, we rely on experience and developed skills – a roadmap of sorts. So what do we do when we are the trailblazers and there isn’t a map to follow? We find ourselves in need of a God Who prepares us for whatever we encounter. A God Who may not show us the road ahead but promises to equip us for the journey.

“I am the vine; you are the branches.
If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:5-8

We remain in Him. We abide with Him. We can’t afford to blaze a trail without our faithful Guide who knows the rugged terrain we are approaching just as well as He knows us. After all, He is Creator God. He knows the best path for us and it might not be the same path that is best for others. Read that again. The Lord may invite you to take an alternate path because He knows it is the best one for you; His beloved daughter. Will it be scary? Maybe. Will it be difficult? Probably. But this is where growth happens and you will not face it alone. As you remain in Him, He goes with you into what is unknown to you….but fully known to Him. He IS the best roadmap.

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

So straighten your shoulders, Beloved. Lift up your eyes, precious sister. Your God is with you and you bring Him glory with each brave step! Boldly bear the fruit He is bringing forth in you. As you focus on Him, you demonstrate your devotion to be His follower. His daughter. His Beloved. And all along the way you will hear Him reminding you…

You are adored.