As I was walking this morning, I noticed a large leaf blowing alongside me for almost half a block.  It appeared to have been caught in some type of draft as it took some twists and turns along the way.  I was reminded in that moment how we sometimes feel a little lost or swayed in different directions by what transpires in our lives. There are challenges and opportunities that arise as a result, that help give form to our character.  Our lives are filled with many examples of the winds that have taken us in various directions.  Unlike a leaf, we have a better gauge on the direction that we want to go.  We just have to have patience and determination as we get caught up in these strong currents at times. It is easy to feel a little aimless when those things occur and discouragement can sometimes follow.  However, we must remind ourselves that with every flurry of wind that passes over us, we are one step closer to getting through a storm.  Seek to find those things that give you encouragement and also provide assistance to others.  Our breakthroughs in life sometimes occur by what we did for someone else as opposed to what we did for ourselves.  At the end of the day, we must continue to have hope and confidence that our destination is closer to us than we think.