The quote expresses a moment of introspection where the speaker reflects on the direction their life has taken. Sitting at the kitchen table, they feel lost and question how their life's path has deviated from their expectations. This imagery conveys a sense of frustration and confusion about the choices made along the way.

By likening his life to a compass that has gone awry, the author highlights a universal feeling of disorientation and the search for clarity. It suggests a yearning to understand the reasons behind life’s unexpected turns, inviting readers to ponder their own experiences and the moments when they too felt misled by their circumstances.