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.

The drunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him
from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go
unrebuked. – Steps to Christ, pg. 30
“Recess is over!” The dreaded words met my ears as I tore
my gaze from my masterpiece. With a disappointed sigh, I reluctantly
abandoned my sandcastle and made my descent down the grassy
slope. As I begrudgingly plodded through the school’s courtyard, my
six-year-old mind was still on my tiny sandcastle, left to brave the
elements on its own. Stopping by the drinking fountain, my concerned
thoughts never left the sandbox I longed to go back to.
“C’mon,” one of my friends beckoned, “We have to go back to
class. I’ll race you there!” With her words hanging in midair, she took
off as fast as her puny legs could carry her. All previous thoughts of
sandcastles and playgrounds vanished from my mind as I took on her
challenge and streaked down the hallway after her.
The wind blew my pigtails as we sped past the rows of
numbered picnic tables. One, two, three… I flew by them as the
distance between us started to lessen. Four, five… We were now side
by side, urging our feet to move us faster. Six, seven… With that, I
passed her and sprinted ahead to our goal. My little heart thumped
wildly as the classroom came into sight. Eight, nine… My ego now
flourishing, I was confident I would beat her. Sneakily, I glanced over
my shoulder just to make sure I had left her in the dust.
In that split second, my world did a somersault, and everything
went black.
* * *
“Ouch!” I whimpered as the school’s nurse prodded at my
throbbing jaw. Apparently, I had tripped and fallen, my chin just barely
managing to catch the edge of a picnic table, leaving me with a painful
bruise. Because I was so focused on winning, I had let conceit and
haughtiness take over. They had whispered to me: “Check to see how
far ahead you are,” and giving in, I had taken my eyes off of my goal.
In the end, the little voice called pride had caused my downfall.