Do you know what a compass is? Do you know how it works? These are questions I love to ask anyone on the journey of life (ok, I try to keep it a least somewhat contextual). They have created conversations of depth, meaning and laughter many times.
So, what is a compass you ask? It is typically a palm sized device, no batteries with a round dial and a needle inside that always points north. “Now wait a second” most people will say they thought a compass tells them what direction the are facing...and they would be wrong. The red end of the needle always points north and based on that we are able to determine what direction we are facing or heading.
So how does a compass know which way is north? I love how many people have this vague recollection that it has something to do with a magnetic field somewhere. Oh, they are so close! Yes, the needle in a compass is drawn to the magnetic field at the North Pole. Honestly, I have no idea exactly how it does that, but it does...and that is how a compass works.
Ok, so here is what I love about a compass...It does not rely on anything inside itself to determine what true north or true direction is. It relies on an external, fixed, reliable, predictable and trustworthy source to determine true direction.
One thing I know about myself is that my heart and mind can be wickedly deceptive. I can often convince myself of just about anything. That is why it is so important for me to have a faith, friendships and even family that will speak the truth in love to me as I share my thoughts and ideas.
Please do not hear me say we need to ignore that still, quiet voice because we shouldn’t. BUT we do need a framework of faith and fellowship in which we can share our thoughts, ideas and maybe, most importantly our secrets.
By Robert Shryoc