Asking for directions has become a thing of the past

Our modern world has changed many things, thankfully some for the better, but it has also destroyed an art form known as “telling someone how to get from point A to point B.” 

In today’s world, the technology of GPS has just about eliminated the need to stop and get directions. Well, as it usually happens when I am visiting with myself, I started reminiscing. And this time, my memory’s drifted to a time when you sometimes had to stop and ask someone for directions. 

You always hope to find someone that looks like they might be knowledgeable about the area to help you find your destination. I think the answer you get depends on what part of the country you are traveling through. 

New Englanders are known for being taciturn and tend to be curt in their answers. They will give you very explicit directions, while folks in the west are a little more affable and folks in the south lean more toward being courteous and accommodating. Usually, the mid-westerners tend to be a little more reserved. Even with that, if you are in a city environment versus a country setting, you will find that there is a difference in the answer you get. 

But when you are in Texas, prepare to be entertained, because Texans can be friendly and colorful, and they are never in a hurry. In most areas of our country, directions will be “left here and right there, but in Texas, especially west Texas your directions will not be left-right, but north-south-east-or west. when you ask how to find your destination you will hear; “Ya’ll head on out this road and veer to the north at the Y, drive careful because that road is chock full of potholes. Stay on that road ‘til you get to the Crenshaw farm. Now you will know it because they have a big ol’ wrought iron gate that’s painted teasip orange. Here you turn west for several miles but put your visor down ‘cuz that ol’ sun will be right in your eyes. You will know you have arrived at where you are going when you see a humongous red barn on the south side of the road. Jim Bob’s ol’ Daddy built it back in ’83 and it always seems to have a fresh coat of paint. The house you are looking for is cattycornered across the road from that barn. Now ya’ll be careful and come back to see us. 

There really are folks like that and I bet many of you have run across them at one time or another. At least back when life was much simpler, and folks would actually talk to you. But Siri or Alexa, or On Star have taken their place in our modern world.        

Some of us need directions for life and we can find many references in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:20   Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Psalm 32:8   I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

John 8:12  Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Let Me See

The pilgrim asked a local gent for directions,

To help him find a famous place,

But this seemed to tax this gents’ recollections,

He had a puzzled look on his face

Then he’d look one way an’ slowly shake his head,

An’ it seemed he might know the way,

Then he scrunched up his face and this is what he said,

“I shore don’t want to lead you folks astray.

‘Cuz I ain’t completely shore I recollect,

The directions to this spot,

So, give me a minute or two to reflect,

An’ revive what I have forgot

So, he studies an’ points his left arm,

An’ then he gives it to me straight,

Head up that road to the Crenshaw farm,

You will see an old wrought iron gate.

The sun will be in your eyes as you head west,

An’ you go for several miles.

 That ol’ road’s bumpy, so slow is best,

Then he stares into space an’ smiles.

But wait, that ain’t right, to get where you must go,

His right arm points the other way.

Head back yonder way toward Jones studio,

Where they have a picture display.

Then he seemed to be bewildered a bit,

An’ he pondered on this location,

The truth is, I think he was ready to admit,

He had reached his limitation.

Well shoot, that shore don’t seem right, now let me think,

An’ he turned completely around,

Scratched his ol’ head an’ his eyes begin to blink,

Then what he uttered was profound.

There’s always ins an’ outs an’ roundabouts you know,

Comin’ in the front or the rear,

But it just don’t matter how you plan to go,

You flat can’t get there from here!

Ol’ Jim Cathey

Thank you Lord for the rain, and we continue to pray for rain! 

Join us at First Baptist Marlin at 11:00 Sunday morning.

God bless each of you and God Bless America!