The other day, I was driving my car and suddenly realized I did not know what road I was on.  
Did I make the turn I usually do, or did I miss it? The even stranger realization was that I could not decipher my surroundings to conclude where I was. It was a moment where I felt lost and alone. I knew what town I was in … but had no idea what road I was on. About three minutes later, I came to an intersection and recognized the area.  
The feeling of being lost and alone is all too common during this time of year. Maybe I was too preoccupied with everything I had to accomplish that day. It could have been all the emails and texts I had been receiving. Or maybe it was concern about all the places I still had to visit.
Christmastime brings a rushed feeling upon us, or maybe we bring it upon ourselves.
Nonetheless, there always seems to be so much to do before the holidays … and then all of a sudden it’s here … and then it’s over. I wonder if we ever make enough time to really enjoy the reason for the season.
All of us have had that feeling of being lost at one time or another. The course of events in life is bound to take us to a place that we’d rather not visit. Still, it’s kind of crazy that during this special time of year we could have such feelings of loss and emptiness. Or is it?
The truth is Jesus came into this world for the lost. He was given such names as Rabbi (Teacher), Shepherd, Leader, The Bright and Morning Star and Light of the World. All of these names imply the ability to give good direction and ultimately give hope for the lost, which includes you and me.
How ironic is it that in a world with so much technology and the abilities to be exact both in direction and accuracy, we still find ourselves lost and wandering about, looking for that elusive “brass ring?” And just when I think I’m getting better at figuring things out, I realize I haven’t a clue. Life doesn’t come in nice, neat packages — although it would be nice if it did every now and then, wouldn’t it?
No, life is full of highways and byways that can lead you almost anywhere you choose. The key word here is “you.” When we try to get there by ourselves, or become consumed within ourselves, we can be sure there is something ahead that will stop us dead in our tracks. Too bad there isn’t a sign on that road of life that says “turn here” or “danger, go back.”
So when you find yourself alone on that road and realize you don’t know where you are, that’s probably a good signal that you need to slow down and ask a friend to ride along with you. In 2005, Carrie Underwood made a hit song titled, “Jesus, Take The Wheel.” Years earlier, there was a popular bumper sticker that read, “Jesus is my co-pilot.”
Yep, you get the point. Move on over and let him drive. He’s a much better pilot than any of us ever will be. Yes, we do have a friend in Jesus. Jehovah Jireh.
Merry Christmas, everyone!

DeLong is the executive director of The Suites at Station Exchange. Call him at 912-531-7867 or email Suites.StationExchange@gmail.com.