There’s an old story of two children who left a trail of breadcrumbs in hopes of later following the trail back to their home. The idea of following breadcrumbs has become so familiar that we’ve embedded it into our language and technology. I’ve recently set up several websites, and one of the settings controls whether users see breadcrumbs – a list of pages between the one being viewed and the main/home screen.
I’ve been asking for guidance – actually a postcard or a formal “orders” document would be nice, but God doesn’t work that way (often). Little by little I’ve shared my thoughts with friends and family. We’re all in agreement that taking time off to recalibrate is wise. I’ve made arrangements to take a sabbatical, a 2 month leave of absence to focus on my calling. Honestly, until two weeks ago, I thought the idea would be forced to surrender to circumstance – what I call “George Bailey Syndrome”. The dear man never did get out of Bedford Falls.
As I write now, our community is cracking jokes about Dorothy Gale and Oz. High winds have that effect.
Anyway, as it has often happened, the more I seek clear direction, the more breadcrumbs I find on the trail.
- A familiar fidget that has oft before signalled a pending change.
- An increased frequency of awareness and draw toward a specific direct interaction ministry.
- N.E.N.R. – a message clearly signed in a dream of struggling through a crowd with a team and a very important item that was on critical delivery to another location. Someone from the destination fought through the press and urgently signed N.E.N.R., which resolved to “No Entanglements, No Retreats.”
- When informed about my sabbatical, prayerful friend said, “I don’t think you’ll be back.” (P.P.)
- My missionary mentor said she’d be inclined to pack everything in preparation for a move.
- Confidence of a prayerful coworker and friend who said, “I don’t like it one bit, but this is of God.” (B.P.)
- Unintended communication which transformed a simple ‘bye” into a weeping character offering a sad farewell.
- A Sunday that begs its own post.
- A prayerful pastor who said, “There’s something big just around the corner for you.” (D.T.)
As I watch the trail, prayer partners and I sincerely looking for God’s guidance and the opening/closure of opportunities, more “breadcrumbs” find their way onto my path. This is not unusual for the God who brought Abram on an undefined journey, led a nation with cloud and fire, spoke to His own and to foreigners through dreams, inspired His prime poet to write “I will lead you with my eye” (Ps 32:8), and promised all who believe, “I will be with you always” (Mt 28:20).