Did I ever tell you about the time I lost my car in an airport parking lot?

What might have been free parking turned into a $5, hourlong lesson in the value of remembering.

I pulled into the parking garage just after 7:00 a.m. on a mission: get my passenger checked in and through TSA for a flight to Miami connecting to Central America. With that, and only that, in mind I parked and stepped onto the nearest elevator to the terminal.

My passenger asked, “You going to be able to find your car on the way back?”

“Sure,” I replied. “It’s up and left.”

I completely ignored the color-coded signage stating: “Remember: Level x and Row y.”

It didn’t take long to regret not taking a quick photo of the overhead location sign. Every floor looked like the right one.

Before you laugh at my idiocy, remember: “We all stumble in many ways…” (James 3:2)

God has given us more important instructions on how to get home. Jesus is the way. And not everyone pays attention.

In our minds departure is way off. What’s most important is what’s happening right now, entry rather than exit. Each of us is capable of tunnel vision, of focusing on the immediate at the expense of what comes next. Transportation is only important when it’s time to go.

Airport parking is a relatively small, inconsequential moment in the grand scheme of life. Given any thought to how you’ll “get home” from an eternal perspective?

Eventually, each of us has to leave the planet. The vehicle home is a relationship with Christ. God loves us. All He wants from us is to love Him back.

How do we know if we love God?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” (John 14:15)

If we’re in a love relationship with Christ, He is not just our ticket home. He is our help here and now.

“Pray to me when you are in trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me… To whoever obeys my commands, I will reveal my power to deliver.” (Psalm 50: 15, 23b)

Finally, sweating in the airport parking lot, I remembered help was available.

I stopped trying to find my car on my own. I prayed to God and asked for His help to find my way. Then I picked up the red phone near the elevators. One call got me into the correct corner of the garage. I pressed my key fob for the hundredth time.

This time I heard the alarm sound one floor directly above me.

Learn from my mistake. When every way seems right, remember to ask for God’s help.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6