During my leave—my time out from the world—I’ve been thinking a lot about direction—where I’ve been, where I’m going, and whether I’m even supposed to know the destination. There was a time I thought life was about getting from Point A to Point B, with a clear road map and a straight line. You do this, you do that, you get this, you get that. If I’ve learned anything in 59 years, it’s that the road rarely runs straight. In fact, it often disappears altogether, leaving you standing in the wilderness, wondering if you took a wrong turn or if this is where you’re meant to be. There are days where I struggle to complete a coherent sentence. The words fail me. They disappear before my mouth gets there. It is a bit unnerving.
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Last year, during my counseling sessions, we (my therapist and I) discovered that for most of my life, I’ve been a nomad—not necessarily because I wanted to be, but because circumstances pushed me into new places, new jobs, new relationships. I’d settle in, grow comfortable, and just when I started to think, Maybe this is it, the ground would shift. This started when I was very young—around the time I was 1 or 2 years old. I didn’t realize how much it used to frustrate me. I look at people who seemed so rooted, so certain of their place in the world, and wonder why that wasn’t my story. We have to be careful not to envy the life others are living lest we miss out on living our own life. Appreciate the life you have—live fully in the present moment. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
Over time, I’ve begun seeing it differently. Perhaps my path isn’t really about arriving anywhere at all. Maybe it’s been about movement—about walking in faith even when I don’t know exactly where the next step leads. Maybe the point isn’t to find solid ground but to learn how to stand, even when the ground moves beneath me. I believe that this movement—this energy—shows up in my artwork.
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The older I get, the more I realize that trust isn’t about knowing the plan—it’s about knowing the One who holds it. It’s about believing that even in the uncertainty, I’m not lost. That even in in-between beats, my life has meaning and purpose. There is a rhythm to my life song.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
If you woke up today (be grateful) and you find yourself in a season of transition feeling like you’re walking without a map, know this: You’re not alone. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Does this resonate with you? I’d love to hear how you navigate the seasons when the road isn’t clear or when life’s path is uncertain. Drop a comment below —I always appreciate the conversation.
Until my next post…
Grace and peace,
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
#mentalhealthmatters
The Devotional Guy™ 
That’s awesome. I’m glad to hear that new doors weee opened and you embraced walking through them. Thanks for reading, Richard .
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Life’s journey sometimes takes into a wilderness setting. Shortly after retiring (both my wife and myself), we encountered isolation during Covid. Since those months, the Lord has blessed us with opportunities to meet people and to embrace more of life’s goodness. We are forever grateful.
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That’s good. 👍🏻
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God never promised a direct flight. In fact, it’s the layovers that shape us into who we were created to be.
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Blessedly.
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I can identify with your thought that we may not hear God, but He is still listening.
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Absolutely my pleasure, Judy. I’m glad my writing is proving helpful.
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You’re right about grief: Loss of dreams, sorrow at seeing the pain of others. Even when changes are good, there’s the sorrow of knowing things will never be the same. Thanks for opening the door to explore deeper as it helps me gain clarity.
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Excellent observation and reflection about your experience with this, Judy. In exploring grief, I’ve come to recognize that we feel loss in other ways, not just death. Leaving a home you’ve lived in for a long time can raise similar emotions we typically associate with grief. I think change is difficult for most of us because it usually means giving up something to gain something. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and for having the courage to share your personal perspective Judy. Blessings 🙏
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I was one of those who was well rooted in one place. I found comfort in the one constant in my life. However, when that constant disappeared, it was devastating. I didn’t know how to adapt. I moved 3-1/2 years ago and still miss home, even knowing God provided this new place for me. What I really miss this the comfort of familiarity. Throughout my life I had many moments of life blowing up in my face; all my plans dissolving to nothing and having to start over. I learned to ask, “Okay, God, now what?” I didn’t trust myself, but I knew God was there listening. I may not hear Him, but I knew God would be patient and allow me time to learn.
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Amen 🙏 for sure, Alan. I agree. Thanks for reading and sharing your wisdom.
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Sometimes life’s journey can be hard or confusing; in such times we need to remember Him who holds us in His hand. Even that can be hard sometimes, but even if we hold on by a fingernail He has us secure. Hallelujah!
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Yep, I think that’s true even more so in our image laden, celebrity worshipping, social media world, David. Too often we fall for the carefully cultivated online lives people share and get caught in the “if only” trap. Truth is God made only one you and the world needs you to be you.
Thanks for reading brother! Hope you and Nancy have a great weekend!
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“We have to be careful not to envy the life others are living lest we miss out on living our own life.“
Truth! We can lose ourselves when we preoccupy ourselves with the apparently perfect lives of others.
It’s a paradox, for sure. Paul says to bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ, but in the same breath he says each Will should bear his own load. ⁉️
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