Lost in Another Language

The music store in Germany where I had
one of my fun adventures.

I was lost, not terribly lost, but definitely lost. Let me explain a little. At the time, I was on a short-term assignment in Germany for the Air National Guard, and I had a day off. I really like adventuring in new places, so after some research and planning, I took a public bus from the base into the city. My goal was to shop at a music store for a harmonica as a souvenir for Mike, my husband, and then to explore the city a bit.

I found the store quite easily and even negotiated the harmonica section without too much difficulty. I was surprised at the wide range of prices, but I found one within my budget. With my purchase happily in hand, I left the store to wander around the city a while before I had to catch a bus back.

Knowing that I was in a foreign country with a language I knew nothing about, I was extremely careful to note my surroundings so that I wouldn't get lost. When I left the music store, I spied a tall tower with a clock facing me, so I made that my landmark.

It was a great day of walking around, looking at different shops, and trying some local cuisine. The time was passing, and the next thing I knew, it was time to start heading for the bus stop. I looked up at the clock tower in the distance and suddenly realized that it did not have just one clock. It had a clock on each of its four sides! Okay, you can laugh here at how naive I was. I had to laugh at myself.

A German bakery selling what appears to be
Philadelphia soft pretzels.

With my complete lack of ability to speak German, I was on my own. Fortunately, I was able to retrace my steps, and it wasn't long before I was standing at the bus stop ready for the return trip.

Through all of this, I learned to be careful what I choose to guide my steps. I thought I was smart and prepared, but I didn't notice one important detail that could have left me wandering for a long time.

It's rather easy to get lost in life, too, if you use the wrong landmarks or don't pay attention. That's one reason that I love how Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) He didn't say He was a way. He made it clear that He is "the way"! I can tell you from experience that this is true. If you trust your life to Him, He will never leave you. You'll never be really lost again.
                                                                                                  ~ Sarah