Do you enjoy poetry? I do. One of my favorite poets has to be Robert Frost. This week one of his poems came to mind, not only by actually events, but as a metaphor for our current life events.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference
- Robert Frost
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference
- Robert Frost
Earlier this week, we visited a local park that has hiking trails. We decided to take the "Bethany Falls" trail. At one point, you come to a fork in the path (just like the poem) where you have to go one way or the other. There is a sign that points to the left and says "ONE WAY", but that isn't the way to go. At the beginning of the trail, there's a note posted on the maker map that indicates the huge bridge is out and that it cannot be crossed. You were welcome to walk the trail, but would have to turn around when you get to the bridge. By looking at the map, you can tell that it would be an awfully short hike if you veered to the left...plus you'd end up having to turn around anyway and retracing your steps. It would be better off in the beginning to take the other path!
The key nugget for today: Even if it appears that all the signs are pointing you in a certain direction, that may not be the direction that the Lord is wanting you to go.
Clearly, one of the ways we make decisions in our Christian walk is looking at the signs... the open and closed doors; the opportunities or advantages certain circumstances in life would bring. Ultimately, however, it takes time in prayer, seeking His Word and will, and waiting for wisdom and direction from Him as He makes the path clear to us. the Word says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but it ends in destruction." It's imperative to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct in times of decision in our lives.
Here in our family, we are facing the stirring of life once again. We have come to recognize it when it comes and we know that change is on the way. Many signs seemed to be leading in a certain direction and then suddenly, situations dramatically halt, reverse, or stop all together! It is truly a time when we are reaching the fork in the path and will have make some decisions for our family.
I know that there are plenty of you out there facing the diverging of life! Maybe your path will seem the less traveled, or even as if you are going against the flow! There are some of you facing ministry choices that have just had an "eureka" moment as the Holy Spirit confirmed what I just said. Don't be timid about the path that He has chosen for you. He has promised to make every step sure and steady, keeping you from slippery slopes. God has made your calling unique, just like you!
For others of you, job changes or ones soon to come have you in an uproar. God WILL make His plans known to you. Hold steady and display patience as God works on your behalf. Trust Him that He will supply all you have need of. He will do much of the leg-work for you if you will just turn it all over to Him.
So, wherever the path of life is leading you right now, don't forget what God is showing us today. There will always be...at some point... a diverging of your path. And as Robert Frost penned, my prayer for you is that you will choose the path that He has for you.... that will make all the difference!
