The change in direction of the ac current flow happens so fast that the appratus doesn't get affected by it. Do you imagine the pace of change with the frequency of 50 to 60 HZ which means the direction of the current changes fifty to sixty times every second. So that minute difference is not considered by our eyes or nerves.
Any appratus working on AC doesn't require a definite direction of current. It only wants current to flow. As you see in case of electric bulb which you set in either direction it glows.