The Path

Have you ever stopped to think about chains of events? We started off down a path, excited about the new opportunities it would bring. But, we never could have predicted or imagined the twists and turns that we encountered. When all is said and done, we find ourselves in a brand new place where we would never have dreamed of being. The original path has long since been left behind.

Our attitudes about that original path may vary. Sometimes we scorn the original path, thinking how archaic or immature our thoughts must have been at the time to even imagine that path exciting. Other times we miss the original path and try to figure out how to walk both paths at the same time. Occasionally, we stop to offer thanks for the original path, realizing the truth that we would not be where we are now without that path.

There are so many examples in my own life. But, the one I see most strongly right now is my writing path. Four and a half years ago I decided to start a family blog. It was my primary writing focus. But, on the side I decided to also write out some of my thoughts on the lessons God was teaching me through various aspects of life. Eventually I discovered that I could get free books if I agreed to write reviews of those books. One thing led to another, and now my family blog tends to be sorely neglected, and I have to work to keep this blog on a good routine because God has flung open doors for my reviews to truly mean something to the homeschooling community.

I never would be where I am now were it not for the nudge to start that family blog, and I am so very thankful for every step in the process.

My writing journey thus far has been pretty painless and enjoyable. But, that’s not always the way these journeys turn out. Sometimes we find the initial path through beautiful nudges of encouragement. But other times discouragement or tragedy forces the turns of our life. Uncertainty. Loss. Struggles.

We may start to walk down a path with such excitement, certain that God led us that direction. Then, everything suddenly falls apart and we begin to flounder. Only with time, heartache, and struggle do we realize that the end result – a result so very different from what we expected – could never have happened without that first turn onto the new path. But in the immediate we feel like the Israelites, their jubilation over being free from a life of slavery suddenly crushed as they find themselves wedged between a sea and a mighty army.

Where are you on your path today? You may feel that you are in a solid and secure place. You might feel completely lost. You might like where you are but wonder how in the world you got there. You might despise where you are and wonder if there is ever going to be a turn to get you somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Wherever you are, I hope I can share some encouragement.

1. Wherever you are, whether a good place or bad, you are not at your final destination. I guarantee your final destination, if you are a follower of Christ, will be more perfect than your heart and mind could ever comprehend.

2. Sometimes God needs to take you completely from where you’ve been before your heart can be open to where He wants you to be. Hang on! It might seem like an odd path, but you’re never out of His control!

3. This is never all there is. Dive in. Live where you are to the fullest. But know that you have more growth before you. And where you are right now is critical to that growth.

I pray that your journey, whether smooth or rough right now, is blessed and that you have the confidence that you are following the path set for you by your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.