Crossroads

Crossroads

SITTING AT THE INTERSECTION, I was as lost as a goose in a new world. For the life of me, I couldn’t get my bearings. I was so turned around I couldn’t tell if I was heading north or south, and the rain only compounded my confusion.

I had flown into San Jose early that morning, and after a full day of client meetings, it was time to head to the hotel. But somehow I got turned around on one of the “loops,” and along the way I got lost. To make matters worse, I was starving; low blood sugar significantly heightens my level of frustration.

I was finally able to exit the freeway, and as I sat at the light, I knew that to continue on my current path was a mistake; I also knew that the direction I had come from would not lead me to a plate of fried rice and a cozy bed. But which way to turn? I had neither enough information nor experience in this part of town to make a good decision, so I did what any intelligent human being (at least female) would do—I stopped at the nearest convenience store and asked for directions from the man behind the counter. Ahmed became my navigational confidant.

Regardless of age or life stage, we all come to a crossroads from time to time—in our marriage; with our work; in our relationships with family members; in our personal development. So where is “Ahmed” when we’re dazed and confused, not knowing which way to turn?

Actually, God has placed “Ahmeds” all around us, and for me, they show up in the form of girlfriends. I’m surrounded by women who are rich in character, spunky in spirit, and successful, not only in their careers, but in living meaningful lives. I invited some of them to share an experience they had while sitting at an intersection and decisions they made that would change their lives forever.

The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go,both now and forever. (Psalm 121:8)

If you’re sitting at a crossroads today, I hope their stories will inspire you. Unlike my friend Ahmed in San Jose, they can’t tell you which way to go, but I hope they will give you confidence as you turn on your blinker.