Saturday, June 20, 2015

Road Less Traveled

Friends

Imagine this: You’re walking on a path through forest. The path seems to split. The trail to the left looks well-traveled, but you almost didn’t notice the trail to the right because it’s so overgrown. Which trail do you take? Of course, you take the well-traveled trail. But what if your guidebook says to go right?
 

What road do you travel in life? Is it the narrow road of trust in God and others, or is it the wide road of trust in yourself alone? Do you briskly travel down the road of life with the masses, or is your trip more measured and prayerful? The wide road may seem more exciting in the beginning, but it’s the narrow road that leads to fulfillment and beauty.


I was thinking yesterday about that famous quote as I was hiking, “I have taken the road less traveled, and it has made all the difference.”  See I have always taken the path less traveled when hiking.  I love to follow the path that the animals use.  True, it is much more rugged and overgrown and not always clear.  And at times I must make my way when there is no path at all.


I love the path less traveled, I have found beauty beyond what I could even imagine.  It may have taken more effort and I have stumble along the way, sometimes over rocks or logs, even my own feet.  But I have NEVER once been disappointed, only grateful for the journey and what I felt, learned, and experienced along the way.


With that said I have not always taken the road less traveled in life.  There have been times I have opted for the wide easy road. What I have found is that while this road may seem easy, and indeed it often is, it does not compare to that road less traveled.  I think we all know about those roads—roads where the rules and regulations of the world apply—roads we might assume take us to places of joy and happiness, only to find that they lead instead to nowhere and at the end of those roads there is often loneliness and emptiness.  We’ve all been down those roads.


For me I have never traveled these paths alone.  For 15 years Goose has been by my side and before him Pete and now sometimes I have Bert join me.  But always, always Jesus is with me.  He sets my sights higher and replaces my self-centered road map with a different one—full of love for God and for my fellow travelers (no matter what road they are traveling.)


He gives me a different set of rules, where anything is possible and truth, beauty, love and mercy is my only guide.  The way seems to be more difficult, with higher hills to climb and dangerous curves.  But oh the beauty, the adventure, the purpose!!!  AND I’m not in control.  God is the guide.  And following that narrow path He has laid before me gives me life and life abundantly.


Consider the possibilities following the road less traveled!  Consider the excitement and the joy!  Consider the hope and beauty!  Consider the love that surpasses anything the world can offer!

The road less traveled, it has made all the difference in my life.

Blessings,
Michelle









 

22 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos and a great message!

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  2. that's the road we can make to our road and it's always worth to try this trail... I enjoyed it so much what you wrote about decisions, many thanks for a wonderful post for this sunday...
    easy rider

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  3. i would never take a trail less traveled in the woods because i am a big fat fraidy cat and would KNOW i would get lost, but i did make the decision to take the road less traveled in May of 1984 and it turned a life that was a mess into a life of joy. and i almost did not make that decison. great message here

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  4. This is a very thought provoking post, luffs it....and the photos are great
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  5. Michelle

    Once again mum wrote a meaningful (to her) post and blogger lost it when it asked her to sign in to Google.

    GRRRRRRRR

    One mad Cookie

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  6. I could not agree more about taking the road less traveled. It is both the best way to explore the woods and see the naked beauty, and the best way to live life - as you want to rather than the way that the rest of the world wants you to live.

    It looks like you had a beautiful hike with deep thinking. I'm glad to hear that!

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  7. Beautiful post. Have a blessed day.
    XOXO

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  8. We love this post about the road less traveled.... and the pictures that helped us visualize what would be missed had you not taken it...

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  9. THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED IS ONE OF MOM'S FAVORITE POEMS...
    THIS IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL POST!! THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR SUNDAY COMPLETE
    HUGS MADI AND MOM

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  10. Beautiful post and Beautiful Photos,xx Speedy

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  11. Hari OM
    With you all the way...YAM xx

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  12. Your post today gave me hope for the "new journey" that our family is now on. It is truly the road less traveled. I know that in time, we too will be OK. Thanks for this beautiful & inspirational message.

    Hugs,
    Kim

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  13. Beautiful message to go with your beautiful photos! And you're right - I've never been disappointed when I've taken the road less traveled!
    KZK

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  14. Have a peaceful and blessed Sunday. Thanks for continuing to open our eyes up to all the beauty in the world.

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  15. We have read this post several times now, taking in your words as we enjoy your beautiful photos. thank you!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  16. Beautiful photos, and of course, another wonderful message. Thank you.

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  17. Very inspiring post. We also tend to wander to the less-traveled trails in our mountains. And we have seen some wonderful sights because of that. Lovely photographs and lovely reflections.

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  18. Beautiful pictures and a great message. yes, he is always with us 24/7

    Wags
    Oreo

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  19. what a beautiful message and pictures. I am so glad Jesus is with us all the time. stella rose and momma

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  20. Such a beautiful post. The road less traveled always has hidden beauties. When I was younger and an equestrian, I always took the trails that were closest to nature. It always seems so untouched and such natural beauty. My horse and I were one in those moments...and yes, I felt God all around me.

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  21. This is a beautiful and very inspiring post! Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us!

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