Charted

What is Charted?

Like a master surveyor, Jesus gives us clear directions to find a fulfilling, purpose-filled relationship with Himself - a map to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Charted is a daily devotional written by the junior class at Fountainview Academy (Class of 2019). Based on the book Steps to Christ, this book explores the path to the Originator and Provider of Genuine Joy. We don't have to be confused about the way. The certainty is in the journey: divinely Charted.

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken
together, and running over will be put into your bosom. – Luke 6:38
NKJV
“Once a year, December’s here and our hearts open up. Once
a year, we give with cheer to those who don’t have enough.”
The lyrics of Josh Wilson’s song, "Once a Year" remind me of
one of my favorite Christmases.
* * *
I was supposed to be feeling the Christmas vibe, but I just
couldn’t. Daddy was not at home, and my mother had a brilliant idea:
instead of exchanging presents, we would buy food and gifts for
people who didn’t have anything. In my mind this was a really bad
idea; I wanted my gifts!
On Christmas day, I was dragged to a family shelter, and I
complained the entire way. The more my mother tried to make me
understand the real meaning of Christmas, the more I refused to
embrace it. Once we arrived, we began to pass out the food and
gifts to a small family. My mom started to chat with them right away,
and knowing my mother, I could see that this was going to be a long
afternoon. I was shocked when I looked inside their shelter because
these people had nothing at all, not even a mattress for their little girl
or for the baby soon to be born. I just stood there feeling ashamed.
How could I be so selfish? Suddenly, the little girl came running
towards me with her new doll; her eyes were filled with happiness and
joy.
She was happy with so little.
Walking back home, I thought about how much I had
compared to others and yet how ungrateful I was. That year, I learned
that giving is better than receiving. It was one of the best Christmases
ever; the joy I had received from giving was indescribable. My stonecold
heart was softened, and the true meaning of Christmas was able
to fill me.