...navigation

Satellite navigation...good or bad?

Personally I’m a mix of old school and techno chic geek. It means I love the advancement, excitement and intrigue of all that is new but I still like to be able to have the skills to utilise the traditional. Both methods would probably gain similar end results but the journey would certainly be different.

The sat nav journey requires complete reliance on the technology to deliver end to end results as predicted. At the start it outlines the route, alerts along the way on delays, offers solutions, highlights advantages and disadvantages and also updates on the time and distance to the end goal. The planner might take the quickest but less scenic route or the driver maybe too focused on the technology to miss nature and landmarks along the way.

The traditional journey starts with a map, maybe a compass or just an understanding of the physical geography & elements – sunrise and sunset. Next steps are the ability to prioritise and utilise the information to work out where you’re heading and if it’s in the right direction. Misinterpretation of information could mean you don’t arrive as quickly as you require and mistakes might also mean you see places and landmarks you had not planned for.

So if you were given a translucent crystal how helpful would that be? Would finding your way be crystal clear?

Apparently Vikings were super ahead of the curve, ahead of sat nav with it’s variety of voice overs from scalding to sexy. Vikings navigated with a clear crystal called the Iceland Spar. Which utilised light, along with an optical effect to locate the sun… even when hidden from view.

So where am I going with this blog today??…giggle

Well apart from identifying that Vikings are clearly the cleverest race ever, I think I have come to a crystal clear decision.

Navigation requires a real mixture of techniques to ensure clarity of vision & confirmation that your route is going in the right direction. Often there are obstacles along the way but that is OK, so long as you have and use the right tools and keep your eye on the guiding light.

I can identify with this in Christian terms as I navigate the sea of life. Prayer, discernment, wisdom, reflection and a listening heart that sees, hears and connects deeply, often without the rational is important. And all of this needs to be done while keeping my sight firmly fixed on God, my guiding light… whether I am worthy or not.

So, it’s a Viking and Iceland Spar all the way for me…