We all use a compass in life, whether we realize it or not.
In this podcast I read the Compass chapter from my latest book, This Outside Life - Finding God in the Heart of Nature. I really love this chapter because I think it’s so relatable. Both for me, and people I meet who are seeking direction for their lives.
I remember after college feeling absolutely flummoxed as to finding direction for my life. I wanted God to just reach down and tell me, “Here, this is the right career path for you.” I was flailing and asking everybody I knew.
It never occurred to me that my gifting, talents and passion were the best place to start. I didn’t think I could be so lucky and blessed to pursue the things I loved and was good at. But He instilled those talents and passions in my heart, so obviously they shouldn’t go to waste.
But I remember how easy it is to get off track!
One person I respected told me to pursue a job at a bank for stability. Did I mention I’m math phobic and making change isn’t my zone of genius? I still cringe when I think of that interview.
Join me as we sink under the sea on a night dive in Australia, where I use a new—but faulty—compass. My belief in the supremacy of my new compass left me with the proverbial egg on my face with my diving companions.
I had to use a compass successfully to complete the training required to achieve Rescue level scuba diver status with PADI. Although no great harm was done during this night dive (we didn’t end up on the other side of the Barrier Reef or in Bali) it certainly taught me a lesson.
Whether it’s an advisor, a friend, a business associate or religious leader, picking a direction in life while relying on the wrong input can be catastrophic.
Our media is full of “experts” who will happily spill advice or “wisdom” to you. And even though they are passionate—or others think they are brilliant—it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily wise advice for you.
Scroll to the bottom to download your free poster on finding direction.
I also mention my other podcast, This Outside Life where I interviewed Calum Macnee who leads people hiking in the Scottish mountains with his company, Stills and Hills. (Whiskey distilleries and walking). He talks about the necessity of knowing how to use a compass while out in the wilderness. Sometimes GPS does not work out there, or phone batteries die.
Glencoe, Scotland
I also talk about the science behind magnetic poles. (Is there a “North pole” stuck in the Arctic somewhere?) We’ll learn about magnetic forces, how the GPS technology works on your phone, and other cool, science-related information.
So grab your dog for a walk, or get your decluttering project ready while you listen as we go underwater, and learn what sort of compass we need in life. The kind that will work in any hemisphere, under the murky depths or on mountain tops. And how God’s word can guide us.
That’s where you’ll find wisdom and direction for your life.
Download this compass reminder for direction in your life
Just a nice little poster (8.5 x 11 inches) you can download and stick on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror to remind you where to turn to for direction in life 👍🏼
This podcast was derived from my book, This Outside Life- Finding God in the Heart of Nature. Available here. With over 100 reviews on Amazon, I think I can say, “You’ll like it!”
