The wet grass soaked my shoes as I headed toward the water that called out to me. The sound of the waves lapping the shore draws me in every time. It is a little after eight am and I am heading off on the lake path to go for a run. The sun is sparkling on the quiet water as I take off down the trail.
The trail starts off very easy, open, straight and level. Then, the trail takes a turn and demands much concentration. Having to teeter and use my balancing skills along some sections. This got me thinking of how important it is to keep our eyes on the path God lays out before us. We can be tempted to stop, go down another trail, or want what we are passing along the way. Nice houses, boats worth more than my house and comfy chairs a midst beautiful landscapes that can render us complacent.
I was watching the time but couldn't tell where I was between the spot I had started from and where I wanted to end. I was hot and thirsty and was wondering how much farther. Then I caught a shadow out of the corner of my eye.
A single engine plane was quietly soaring up above the glistening morning lake. It was taking in a much broader view than I was. I stopped for two reasons. One was that I just really love the idea of flying and want to learn how to fly someday; though, my husband reminds me that I have crashed just about every car I have owned. (What is he saying?) Then, I was reminded that while I might be down in the thick of things, struggling through the slippery places and dodging branches, not being able to see very far in front of me, God is soaring above. He sees all; all that is behind me and all that lay ahead of me. He sees where I am right now, whether clear and easy or tough and slippery.
Because of that, because He knows, and I trust Him, I will keep my eyes on Him and on the path He has led me to, to follow Him and His will for MY life. See, this path is my path, the path that represents my life; the easy, sunny, level trails and the ones where I have to be on guard, going over obstacles and under the darkness, struggling not to fall. I have my own way to go, my own path and it is the only path for me, not anyone else. I am responsible for how I stay on my path, not veering off, getting distracted or tempted to go down someone else’s or stop all together. My relationship with God on this path is the most important thing, acknowledging Him every day in my journey. Though the waves are enticing to listen to, it is God’s voice I desire more. Let us be under that shadow above us, remembering there is One who sees and knows all and wants us to follow Him.
Psalm 91:1, 2-“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
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| A walk down a path in Chongwe, Zambia |
