A'mazing' Discovery

September arrived with a definite chill in the air, bringing with it a sort of electrical excitement. Memories of roasting marshmallows in our outdoor fireplace, going horseback riding in the mountains and enjoying the beautiful palette of autumn colors, makes me look forward to the change of seasons. In October, my family and I relish the idea of heading up to Burt's Pumpkin Farm (www.burtsfarm.com) to take the traditional hay ride before selecting the pumpkins that will decorate our doorstep. Several local corn fields become mind-boggling mazes that test even the wittiest of customers. A couple years ago, when my Mom made her annual fall visit, we thought it would be fun to check out the corn-maze craze that's only recently made its debut in our neck of the woods.

The day was overcast and a bit blustery, the perfect weather for a stroll through a corn field. With our maps to guide us through the maze, my Mom, daughter, and I set off quite confidently. After all, if we just followed our map we should be done in record time. Or so we thought. If I remember correctly, there were ten stations set up throughout the field where we were to stop and punch our map as we navigated the maze. This would prove that we had followed the right path from entrance to exit.

The trouble began when we were unable to find the very first station. Confused, each of us studied the map and tried to account for each twist and turn that we had made up to that point. I remember backtracking to the beginning, only to miss a turn and find ourselves at station number two, rather than one. At some point, we got so frustrated that we decided to skip the map altogether and just follow people who appeared as if they had an innate sense of direction. This proved quite comical as we ended up shadowing some women from England. Here we were in our home state, hoping foreigners would be able to lead us through this corn maze. Maybe it was a result of their travels, but for whatever reason, they did prove themselves to be much more adept at maze navigation than we were. With lots of laughter and sincere 'thank yous' to our 'guides,' we exited the corn maze safely.

So often, life resembles that corn maze. There are several paths to choose from; only one will lead us safely through life. Our Creator has a map for us, His Word, that will guide us along the one path that He knows will be best for us. This 'map' contains clear directions for avoiding wrong turns and navigating life's storms, but we must be willing to study it. King Soloman, the wisest man who ever lived, was very direct in Proverbs 2:1-5, "1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God." (KJV)

I get myself into trouble when I stop studying the 'map' and decide to drift aimlessly, following after or seeking others who may be able to point me in the right direction. While navigating this thing called life, my earnest desire is echoed in Joshua 1:8, "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (KJV) Before you get frustrated with the twists and turns life throws at you, remember that your Creator is "a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Follow His 'map' for your life, today.