Finding your way on the “Blue Highway”

Even when your Map App. leads you astray

We were enjoying the “Blue Highways” across America’s Northwestern states. (Named for the color of the lines on old paper maps. Remember those?) Two lane roller-coasters through the mountains, high plains, and- on this hot day- rolling wheat fields of Idaho. (Not just potatoes anymore!) Way more interesting than Interstate Highways with their handy Rest Areas and predictable Truck Stops.
But the road less traveled can a little tricky to navigate at times.

I knew exactly where we were headed. We were pulling our little camper from Lewiston to Portland. I simply entered the address in my smart phone’s map application, plopped it on the dashboard, then blithely followed the arrows and friendly verbal commands. Spectacular scenery. Fascinating little towns. Delightful.

Then we came to a cross-roads. A T-intersection, actually. The road sign offered a choice between two middle-sized towns that I’d heard of, but wasn't sure which was on-the-way to our ultimate destination. “Siri” (We call any and all vocal emanations from The Phone “Siri.”) said, “Turn right in fifty feet.” My truck instrument indicated that would be to the North. We were headed West. Hmmm… “Okay, you’re the expert.” We turned North.

The rolling hills were getting pretty steep. I stopped at the crest of one, and re-entered our destination to be sure The Map App “knew” clearly where our dinner meeting was tonight. “Turn left in five hundred feet.” Hmmm… naught but farm roads out here, but, “Okay. You’re the expert.” We followed the small, once-paved farm road for a while. Then shortly, “Turn Left in one hundred feet.” “Oh. I see where you’re going with this.” A well maintained dirt road, soon deteriorating to a poorly maintained service road that got steeper, and gravely-er as we chugged up a steep incline; tires slipping, passengers tensing. 

Then, at the ridge, we’re greeted by an angry sign: “Authorized Vehicles Only – Trespassers will be Prosecuted!” 

We found ourselves in the midst of a wind-turbine-farm. It was fascinating to be so close among them. (Still baffled that a large bird that can evade shot-pellets traveling at 1300 feet per second, could get killed by a giant fan moving absurdly slowly by comparison?!)

Like many guys, I hate to go back. (What a waste of time and gas, right?) The main highway must be just ahead. But with the dirt road narrowing, the truck and trailer slipping, and two increasingly uncomfortable passengers- worried about getting hung up in a ditch with no civilization (or phone signal) nearby- I strenuously negotiated a 5-point U-turn, and eventually worked my way back to that blessed T-intersection. “Go straight to Walawala.” “Hey! That sounds interesting…”

What can we learn from this little side-track travel-adventure? Firstly, I was putting my trust in a Map App, without verification from other sources. (After laughing at my story, a friend in Portland suggested a better Map App. that starts with G.) I didn’t even have a paper map from which I could get an overview of my journey; and perhaps note alternate routes if necessary. (I couldn't decide which state(s) to buy!) Neither did I have any good landmarks in mind that might help verify my route. Knowing what mountains, rivers, or towns that would be on our route, could have served as guide posts and “hand-rails” along the way. I would never venture into the back-country without a full awareness of these components. But I was trusting that I could just follow The Expert. "Siri."

How are we defining success? We need to understand God’s definition of what is important in life. Why are any of us actually here? Then fully grasp in general terms, what it looks like to be Jesus’ Disciple. And learn what “Good Fruit” tastes like. Love, Joy, Peace, etc. These important perspectives can  only come from intentional study of God’s Word, and frequent, honest interaction in healthy Christian community. These establish the “big picture” in our hearts and minds. Then the Holy Spirit can customize it for us.

Secondly, for all her confident directions, “Siri” appears to be an “Indirect Communicator.” Rather than admit, “Oops. I said ‘right,’ when I should have said ‘left.’ Please turn around and go the other way.” She quietly “re-routed,” and led me on what seemed to her to be an acceptable “work-around” (a giant, looping U-turn.) She was obviously unaware of the current conditions and actual nature of the roads she suggested.

From whom are we getting direction? How often does this happen in our lives? We find ourselves in unknown territory, and needing direction, and we put our trust in an “expert” for advice or guidance, who doesn’t fully know or care about our personal journey; or God’s unique plan in it. An author? A talk-show host? Even a loving friend? But none know or love us as much as The Lord. It may take practice to hear His voice, but He alone is equipped and caring enough to lead you on the unique path that will fulfill His greatest purposes in, for, and through you.

Getting personal…

On a few different fronts in our lives right now, my wife and I are facing uncharted waters. Not only has our family never been along this way before, we do not know of anyone else who has faced any of these unique situations with the same variables and complexities as the ones we face. Loving friends (and impersonal authors and up-front speakers) have all kinds of “expert” advice for each scenario. But we have learned that prayerful pursuit of God’s way (both individually, and together) is our only way to successfully navigate the Blue Highways in our lives.