“Are you sure this is the right way?” Taylor asked, following Ryan down yet another row of cornstalks.

           Ryan turned and grabbed her hand. “No clue. Every turn we’ve made in the last ten minutes has looked the same to me.”
           Taylor giggled. “Me, too. At least we’re stuck in here together. Even if we are hopelessly lost in the maze, I’m having fun.”

           Ryan squeezed her hand. “Me too. Don’t worry, we’ll get out before dark.”

          “I certainly hope so!” They continued on the path they were on, and twenty minutes later, found the exit to the corn maze.

         Ryan pulled Taylor into a hug. “We did it!”

         Taylor beamed and soaked in the strength of Ryan’s arms. “I knew we could. What do you want to do next?”

        Ryan’s stomach growled. “How about some food?”

        They stood in line at one of the food booths, then took their trays to a nearby picnic table. Taylor turned to Ryan. “Thank you for bringing me here today. I’m having so much fun. Plus, it’s keeping my mind off all the decisions I have to make. I still don’t know whether to go to grad school or get a job.”

       Ryan’s gaze was kind. “God has a plan for you. Keep praying and He’ll make it clear what you should do.”
        “I know you’re right. It’s just hard.” Taylor took a big bite of her sandwich. “Mmmm. This is so good.”

        “Maybe, or maybe you were just afraid we’d never get out of the maze to eat again,” Ryan said.

        “That could be it. We were in there longer than I thought. Look – the sun is starting to set.”

        Ryan’s face brightened. “I know what we should do next. Are you finished?”

        Taylor sucked the last of her soda through her straw with a gurgle. “Now I am. What did you have in mind?”
        They deposited their trash in a nearby can and Ryan took Taylor’s hand, leading her to the other side of the farm. Taylor gasped. “A hot air balloon ride? I’d love that!”

        Ryan faced her. “It’s not a full ride. It stays tethered. But we’ll still be high enough in the air to see everything.”
        “Sounds perfect.”
        They bought their tickets and were soon floating over the farm. The sky lit with purples and pinks, painting the scene beneath them.

       “Oh, it’s so beautiful,” Taylor gushed. You can see across all the hills and valleys. Should we try to find your car in the parking lot?”

       “No. Look over here.” Ryan pointed toward the corn maze.

       Taylor’s gaze followed his finger. “Oh my goodness, you can see the whole maze. From here it’s so obvious which way to go. Those teenagers are about to hit a dead end.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe we had so much trouble with it. It looks so simple from up here.”

       They finished their ride and made their way back to the car. The drive home was quiet until Ryan broke the silence. “What’s on your mind?”

       Taylor spoke, her eyes on the field full of cows outside her window. “Why aren’t they in the barn for the night?”

       Ryan followed her gaze. “What?” Oh. Well, the sun just set. Maybe they’ll be on their way soon.”

      “I guess.”

      “So really? What was on your mind was cows?”

      Taylor laughed. “No, not particularly.” I was thinking about what you said earlier about God having a plan for me.”

     “He does,” Ryan said. “In fact, it’s kind of like the corn maze. We can’t see which way to turn, but God has the view from the hot air balloon. He knows exactly how we can get out of the maze. All we need to do is ask.”

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

God, thank You for always helping us find the right path. Help us to remember You can see the big picture, even though we can’t. You’ve known our future since before You created the world. We are in good hands trusting our future to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.