October 24 – Two Roads Diverged In a Wood But Where to?
297 – Two Roads Diverged In a Wood But Where to?

#faithbites #faithjourney Woods

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… – Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken was one of my favorite poems growing up. The idea of coming to a fork in the road in the middle of the woods, seeing as far as I could, then taking the road less traveled is something that always appealed to my sense of adventure. The idea that there is a good road and a bad road. A choice that is more prosperous than others. Taking the harder path would bring the greater reward. All of these made my adrenaline rush and ready for more.
Lately, though, I am at a fork in the road with more than two roads. In fact, my path is a bit different. I see the paths that I have traveled as well as those I was planning on traveling that are not open but have new woods in their place. What I see is me in the middle of a forest clearing with no roads around. Yes, there are opportunities to hack through the woods and force a new path, but that takes so much effort. I can continue to climb through the new growth on the old paths but is that stopping the new trees from growing?
It is not easy when the paths you thought you were on are gone. It’s even harder when everyone looks to you as having all the answers and opportunities but you see no clear paths.
It’s times like this when seeking direction from the Lord and comfort is key.
Scripture
  • I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8
  • ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ – Jeremiah 33:3
  • “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8
Reflection

I love when I search for scripture as I learn more every day. Today, I was surprised and pleased to see my baptism verse, Jeremiah 33:3. This appealed to me two years ago as well as today. Call out and he will answer. Knock on the door and it will be opened for you. God will counsel you. These are strong affirmative words and thoughts when you feel directionless.

What I wrote above is also true. When people perceive you to have so many opportunities, so many choices, but you can see the path through the woods. It makes you feel guilty, small, and ungrateful for what you have.

I know that through prayer, sleep, and a fresh set of eyes (coffee might help too), I can see the path in the woods. Then I like Frost, will take the one less traveled by and that will make all the difference.

Charge
Do you have a choice in your future? Are you unsure of which road to take in the woods? Maybe you don’t see any paths open. Call to the Lord. Ask him which path to take. He will answer, he will watch you, and he will guide you.
Lord, help me trust in you. Help me to see all of the paths that you have opened for me. Let me realize that the new growth is part of your plan. it is to help others grow while providing me with new opportunities. Let me always remember that.
%d bloggers like this: