Discussions are likes trips; they are great if they stay on track. Side journeys are exciting, and often enjoyable, but the movement away from the course can pull you away from the direction you aim for.

My Dad, encouraged me if ever given the opportunity when driving, to take the side road, enjoy the scenery, and the discovery of new territory.

As much as you may want to enjoy the journey, never loose sight of the destination.

Where are you going? What is your destination? How fast do you want to get there?

Those are questions that always need to be asked, or at least asked regularly. Having recently gotten a GPS unit (who we like to call Sister Garmin), I’m shocked at the constant course direction, and encouragements that Sister Garmin consistently speaks, always making sure that we are on course.

God forbid you change directions! Sister Garmin begins to speak, corrections, course alterations, and consistently change. What becomes an issue is the fact that Sister Garmin doesn’t know that the course has been changed. Until you let Sister Garmin know that the direction has changed or that a new access point has been added, she won’t hush. Her only directive is to get us back on track, and to see us complete the journey.

Listen to the directions and keep your eye on the end. There is much to be said for taking a side trip, and especially when you sense a prompting to take a side journey; but never let the side trips take you away from your long term destination.

It is a great day in life, to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant, enter in the joy of the Lord.” You only can hear that when you have stayed on course! As much as anything…. enjoy the journey!