The Buddhist Proverb says: If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking. It was easy to know if I was facing the right direction during my 5k race on Sunday. The streets were blocked. Signs with arrows and mile markers outlined the course. Not to mention my greatest inspiration—the crowd. I simply followed the direction of the course and footsteps of others. The marathon of life should be as simple but often is not. Why? There aren’t any glaring signposts pointing the way. Crowds of people are not behind each thought or decision. I am left to my mind for direction. Fickle. That’s how my mother described me. I couldn’t agree more. I am constantly questioning or second guessing my direction in life even though I know, if I really look inward, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Randomly I received a phone call from a friend that works at the Texas Workforce Commission. A job at the Texas Veteran’s Commission became available and I was the first person he thought of to fill the position. At that precise moment, without any flashing neon signs, I knew I was facing the right direction. Without hesitation, I thanked him for the opportunity. I not only told him I was employed but I had a job I absolutely love, working for and with people I admire. As I ended the call, my fickle mind took control. Fear and indecisiveness complicated my path.
Why did I tell him I had a job? Maybe I should have just sent him a resume. Now I don’t have that opportunity. What if Marsha fires me? That could happen; after all, she did hire Cole. He’s doing an excellent job….
On and on my mind went. In a matter of seconds, I have complicated my race and taken myself off of God’s path. My priority should be to do what I know is right and not become distracted.
Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.
Continuing in the right direction may not be easy, but neither is it complicated. There are many distractions and obstacles, but the route is clear: Do the next right thing. The signposts for decisions like this are often found through my connection with my higher power—not the limitations of my earthly mind. Which direction are you facing? Vickie Bing is the Alumni Coordinator for BRC Recovery. She received her B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington. Vickie is a former high school teacher and an Air Force veteran. You can read other posts on her blog at The BRC Recovery Blog.