A Bend in the Road

My sister has noticed something about me. She saw a picture of a tree-lined road leading out of sight which I had recently hung over my sofa. “You like pathways,” she said. “New beginnings.” I had never really thought about it. But today as I paid for two new mini-prints, one of a flower-lined pathway, the other of a road flanked by gorgeous trees in all of their fall glory, I had to admit there’s a theme emerging here.

The Bible says that the end of a thing is better than its beginning. I have always thought that meant that it’s good to finish what you start. As a confirmed ADD hobbyist, project-doer and house cleaner, I like that scripture. I would love to learn to employ it. However, I also love the passage of scripture in Ecclesiastes which states that there is a season for everything. I guess each new season of life is something like a brand new roadway leading into the unknown. The mystery there, the freshness of a new opportunity, really appeals to me.

Wouldn’t life be boring if we always knew exactly what was up ahead? It certainly would be for me.  We bought a motorcycle last week. The plan is to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I can already see all of those beautiful roads cutting through the park, not a sign of development in sight, a canopy of green arching over me or, in the fall, the reds, yellows and oranges exploding above while a cool breeze makes me happy to be alive. The corny little bit about enjoying the journey that we see in every gift shop on every conceivable piece of artwork really is true. It really is.

At every single bend in the road we have yet another opportunity. Will we seize the occasions for growth, joy, living life and our individual callings to the fullest? Will we return God’s tight embrace, feel His power beneath our dreams? Or will we head back the way we came, or perhaps even sit down by the side of the road, watching in jealous angst as others speed by, laughing and making a party of their experience with the Lord who loves them passionately? We do have a choice. We really do.

It occurred to me recently that every single time I have heard the Lord speaking to me directly, I have had a choice. I could obey and dive into the most amazing, fulfilling adventure of a lifetime, or I could back myself into a closet of broken dreams and unfulfilled wishes, of unreached potential and wasted abilities and opportunities.  I love all of my hobbies, but they are stress-relievers, not the main event. I love to shop, but that’s a diversion. It’s time to be about the things and the people who make up the meat of the sandwich of life! It’s time to shine. Not in an ego-centric way, but in a God-glorifying way!