The Road Less Traveled



My husband, Randall, took the picture of the snowy path I’ve posted along with today’s blog. As I looked at it I couldn’t help but be reminded of the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. It ends with these words:

                                    Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.              

            I started thinking about the less traveled roads I’ve taken in my life. There have been many times I’ve felt the Lord’s prompting to exit the well-traveled road I’ve been on and take a detour. Sometimes those less traveled roads have brought relief from the hectic road I was traveling. Other times the road less traveled has felt deserted and lonely. There are even times that venturing the less traveled road has been exciting.

            As I’ve walked roads less traveled, I’ve learned a great deal. One of the greatest lessons learned is one in faith. Making the move to the less traveled road takes faith. Not faith in one’s self or abilities but rather faith in God.

            "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

            A well-traveled path is worn, and defined. It’s easy to see where others have trod and it isn’t difficult to follow their footsteps. The road less traveled is not so clearly defined. That is where faith is vital.

            “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

           
            The detours I’ve taken have spanned the seasons. Like the picture my husband took, sometimes the path has been open and snow covered. It is almost like it is filled with a hushed majesty that directs your every step. There have also been seasons where the path was covered in roots and vines. My steps were painstakingly slow and deliberate. At such times my full concentration was simply on finding the next place to set my foot. I’ve learned that faith walks at different speeds according to the season.

            Whether the journey has been refreshing and uncomplicated or challenging and difficult, I do know that taking the road less traveled has made all the difference.  As I travel I don’t always know the destination. That’s not my job.

“The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24)
           
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)


            I’m just so grateful that whatever road I’m led to travel, as a child of God, my steps are directed. I want to encourage you today, if you’re sensing HIS direction to take the road less traveled, to trust HIM. Although the road may be unfamiliar and feel uncertain, you can know that no road HE leads you down is uncertain to HIM.


                                                           Be Blessed!


                                                           Leslie

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sidewalk Chalk, Christmas Lights & Fruit

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV What an amazing passage to being my day! I am reminded to trust in the Lord and promised that because I am planted in HIM, I don’t have to fear circumstances. This passage also makes it my heart’s desire to continue to bear fruit to HIS glory in this season. My heart is truly overflowing as I read these words in Jeremiah.  I felt I had to do something today so my daughter, Carly and I headed outside. Together we covered our driveway with encouraging words and happy images for our neighbors. As we were chalking, we waved at everyone driving past and they returned our waves. Friends, it is the little things! Now, as I type this, my husband is outside stringing...
Read more

Loving & Serving Others

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.   If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. As I read these verses today, I am challenged to find ways to love others deeply, to serve them, and to offer hospitality during this most unusual time. I fully believe that with God all things are possible. We may have to think outside the box, but it can be done.   I am so encouraged as I see that some of the worst times are bringing out the best in many people. We have the ability to serve one another in so many ways, despite our current si...
Read more

Endure

Image
On Friday morning I was texting with my sister, Betty. (Ok, technically she is my sister-in-law but the heart overrules genetics and she is my sister) Since Betty is in California and I’m in Wisconsin, we typically communicate via text messages. As always, it was wonderful to see a message pop up from her. She asked how I was doing and I replied and told her that to be quite honest, I was struggling a little. Betty is one of the most encouraging people I know and has such a heart for the Lord and others, so I knew I could be real with her. As we texted back and forth about all that was going on, she shared that the Lord had given her the word “endure” for this time. Betty went on to share how she applies this to our present trials.  I am so grateful for my wise sister. Since yesterday I have been reflecting on her word. Endure. The meaning is even more profound in light of Good Friday. I am reminded. “We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw ...
Read more