The compass

Christmas had passed and it's now the day after. I was feeling somewhat weighed down by recent events and activities, not to mention eating too many holiday goodies. Life lately has been somewhat stressful with trying to run a business, deal with the recent deaths of friends and family, worrying about my wife's health, trying to get Christmas shopping finished and keeping bills paid up, while trying to keep my family from falling apart dealing with personal issues & struggles. Depression is a frequent companion during this time of year and today was no different.

I had decided while I had some down time to go for a walk to stretch my legs and try to clear my mind. One thing about walking it's the best time to unwind, workout stress, and get away from the grind. It's during these quiet times I find moments of peace or a chance to pray. This walk would be slightly different though.

I had walked most of 2 miles around the local park and was heading up a large hill to the top where a war memorial was located for some local veterans whom had served in Vietnam. This particular spot is well elevated and has a great view or the surrounding county. As I was enjoying the view, catching my breath, and letting my body adjust to the stress from exercise, I began to talk to the Lord out loud about my walk. I slowly laid my requests at His feet and pray for direction in my life, my daily affairs, guidance being the leader of my family, direction regarding our business, and my own spiritual walk.

As I was praying and had began to recover from my speed walk, I began to walk down the backside of the hill enjoying the sunset over the harvested corn fields when I noticed an unusual white paper star laying in the grass nearby. At first glance I walked past it, but for whatever reason was compelled to take a second look at which time I  turned, walked into the grass and picked it up. The white star was made from notebook paper and folded very intricately. As I was admiring it, I caught a glimpse of a larger solid object of dark green color laying just beyond the star a couple of feet away. I picked up the object to examine it and realized it was a compass (see exact picture below).

As an outdoor enthusiast whom hunts & fishes alot, I've always wanted to buy a compass, but here out of the blue, I find a very nice one while walking & praying.

It wasn't until shortly after I left the park admiring my find and was almost home when the thought crossed my mind that Jesus is my compass and that when I needed direction, all I had to do was ask Him and He'd be there. I began laughing at the odds of praying for direction and finding a compass moments later. My prayer had been answered. All I had to do was ask.

The compass now sits on my desk as a reminder to seek Him daily, especially in time of need and in my daily walk.