Have you ever been at a crossroads in life and taken a step back to see what is “really”behind and ahead of you? This may sound goofy, but how many rites of passage do we cross in life? Think about it for a moment. We graduate from highscool and many of us continue to college or technical school to learn a lifelong career. We begin our careers, get married, and start families. We spend years raising children and eventually see them reach the same passages we have crossed.  Life replenishes itself. It is indeed miraculous.    

My son has recently arrived at one of these places in life. He is heading to college. He has an exciting education and life ahead of him in aerospace engineering. We are both excited for all of the opportunities that lie ahead, however, he is my youngest, so with him leaving; I am at another major crossroads myself. Perhaps it is age (and hopefully a little machurity as well), but this time I have taken a step back. I see I am at a crossroads. I am filled with the realization that each of my steps into my new future will be very important. 

We can all stop and reflect when we are at a crossroads in life. Sometimes when we are too busy, we miss what is “really” there. We fail to appreciate what is behind us: all those precious memories we have created, all of the blessings we have experienced, our gifts, our accomplishments, and our families.

Busyness also inhibits our ability to see what is truly in front of us. Life is filled with endless opportunities. We all have hopes and dreams, talents and abilities that we can pursue. They add meaning not only to our own journey, but also to the world around us. When we follow our passions we are enriching the earth. It is why we are born. It is why we are here.

Crossroads provide a special time for us to reflect and consider those things in life which are most important. We can slow down, take a step back from everything, and open our hearts and minds to inspiration and guidance. We will be given divine vision, the eyes to see our lives more clearly. We will  appreciate the beauty we have seen along the way, and be given a plan to extend the most beautiful parts of who we are into our future. It is our right. It is our gift.

Reading from A River of Hope:  

                                 Defining the Journey

     Some of us have felt ambiguous through life. We simply go through the motions. We do what we think we are supposed to do. We are lost in careless routine.

     We now approach the dawn of a new segment of the journey. Looking back, how long has it been since we’ve enjoyed the brilliant rays of a sunset, smelled a fragrant flower, or felt the tender morning breeze? How long has it been since we called an old friend or played with our children? We have not taken the time to do those precious things that mean everything to us. We have given ourselves to a creed that does not let us dance! Our soul is no longer breathing.

     It’s time to define our journey. We can make it what we have always wanted it to be. We can have courage and faith. We can carve enough space in our lives to make room for God., our loved ones, and ourselves. Our spirits will be rekindled. Our souls will be reborn.

     Looking ahead, let’s have the confidence and wisdom to define our journey. We do not need to live in fear and doubt. We do not have to live according to the expectations of others. Let’s find our innermost needs and live our lives accordingly. God will help us. He already is…

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Let’s pause and step back the next time we reach a crossroads. May we clear our minds and open our hearts to all the universe has in store for us. There are many treasures for us to experience and enjoy in the days, weeks, months,  and years ahead. We would not want to miss them.

Have you ever woke up and wondered where your life is headed? Do you ever stop and consider where you are going?

Sometimes we get stuck in life. We are trapped in our surroundings, obligations, schedules, plans, and agendas. We just keep on going even though we are not quite sure where we REALLY want to go. Routine becomes the guiding force in our lives. But what about the greater guiding force? What about God?

We become more effective and definately more joyful when we loosen our grip on life and open our hearts to God’s guidance. We do not know where we are headed, but the creator of the universe does; and he holds our hearts and futures as carefully as he holds each of the stars in the universe. God will show us effective ways of living. He will lead us down successful paths if we will let go and trust. It is promised!

Reading an excerpt from A River of Hope for November 1st we discover…

Some of us are very busy. We get on a roll. We can’t slow down. There is so much to do. The thought of pausing seems absurd. There are not enough hours in the day, let alone days in the week. We think faster is better. We work harder to get somewhere. But where are we going and what do we really want out of life? These are important questions to consider.

Pausing allows us room for consideration. Instead of just thrusting forward without a solid goal, we can plan the day ahead. This helps us use our time more efficiently. Our work becomes more fruitful. We discover we do not necessarily have to work hard to see results. Pausing paves the way of success.

Pausing also helps us open our hearts to God’s plan for our lives. Somtimes we get so busy trying that we miss all that he is doing in and through us. We focus and obsess on our little plans, all the while missing the big picture.We are created to accomplish great things. We all have a purpose. We are given a destiny. Taking the time to contemplate the higher realm of our existence leads us to discover and follow our mission. This is where we truly want to be. It is where our work is the most enriching. It is the special place that fulfills our every need and desire. Let us pause and plan how we can embrace God’s will for our lives.  

And so we do not have to worry where we are headed or where we are going, or especially how long it might take us to get there. We are on a journey of faith, one that requires trust in a higher power and also ourselves. The journey may not be easy, but it will be beautiful if we will only learn to release ourselves to the universe. We can open our hands to the many gifts we will experience along the way. We can open our hearts to God.

Love and abundance,

Amy Lynn