Article February 2, 1998 Issue

GOD KNOWS MY PATH

BETSY CLARKE

Some years ago I had an experience that was a real eye-opener to me in learning that I could let go of any anxious desire to know or control the outcome of a matter, and instead happily trust God to show me step by step where my path should lie. During my final year in law school, I began sending resumes to potential employers. After several invited me for interviews, I began to feel turmoil about what kind of job I should be pursuing. I became distraught when I concluded I was no longer sure what job I wanted. I was at a complete standstill.

During this period, I spent an entirely fruitless morning attempting to register for classes. The last straw came when I discovered I was missing an essential document that was in my father's possession. At this point I mentally threw up my hands, abandoning any further effort to accomplish anything on my own. I turned wholeheartedly to God and said, "Father, I am listening. Please tell me what to do!" Very clearly, the thought came that I should go to my father's office to obtain the necessary document. On the face of it, this message was ludicrous because I knew my father planned to be out of his office the entire day. Nevertheless, I was willing to follow the direction because I had no idea what else to do. Obediently, then, I boarded a bus headed from campus to my father's office, which was located downtown in a large metropolitan area.

As I rode along I thought, "If only things would fall into place, then I could feel so peaceful." Almost before I had finished the thought, however, this question occurred to me: "What is the 'something' that would make you feel satisfied?" I suddenly realized that whatever comfort I hoped to gain was already being provided by God. This simple but profound idea filled me with an immense sense of gratitude, completeness, and satisfaction. For a moment I basked in the feeling of being surrounded by the arms of divine Love. Then, opening my eyes, I realized the bus had arrived at my stop. I descended to the curb, expecting that I would be directed. As I gazed across the street at the noontime crowds, I found myself looking directly at my father! I crossed the street and explained my need. He handed me the document from his wallet, and I caught the next bus back to campus. The entire trip took barely half an hour.

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