At a recent extended conference in the UK I had the privilege to be afforded some personal reflection time as part of our weekly schedule. This was a couple of hours set aside to focus on any form of prayer or contemplation we were interested in choosing.
After trying a few options in previous weeks I had a very clear picture in my mind what my time this particular Monday morning would be used for. I was intending to walk towards the local village church, perhaps grabbing a coffee along the way, and spend some time in the space focussing on a specific verse from the bible to see what God wished to say to me that morning.
Just after I left the Conference Centre I saw a sign pointing to a public footpath that led away at right angles from the footpath which is the main walkway to the village. On a whim, or maybe by the Holy Spirit’s prompting, I deviated from my path and took that alternate route.
muddy path on the right.
What started out as a regular, concrete path very quickly turned into a muddy, narrow lane running alongside a water channel. I wasn’t really dressed for an ‘off-road’ trek and considered turning back to take the more conventional path that would be less messy. Something urged me to persevere and reassured me I would find a way through, which I did.
How often do I resist a path because I don’t feel equipped or ready? And yet, if it is a path God is calling me to there will always be a way through.
After a while the path became a smoother, gravel path and I encountered other walkers. I wondered if they, too, had taken the muddy track. God said to me, “Stay focussed on My choice of path for you. Their path is not for you to worry about.”
Along my path I was rewarded with great beauty – daffodils, a tiny bird nest high in a tree and foliage on one bush that I couldn’t believe wasn’t plastic! When we relax on our ‘right path’ there are treasures to behold when we take the time to look.
I had to confirm it was real by touching it!!
The path changed again to a wider, paved path and as I turned the corner I noticed that another path was merging with the path I had taken. I considered that sometimes there are a few paths that can get us still where He wants us to end up. This merging path came directly from the heart of the village which would have meant I would have missed the natural beauty I had been blessed to see.
At one point I identified a sign warning that cyclists share the path. It wasn’t directly in front of me, but it was informing me of danger. I wondered, “How aware am I of the dangers that may knock me off my path in life?”
After a few more twists and turns I again came to a muddy area, but this time the path was less clear. I did my best to look at all the possibilities before me and determine how to navigate the terrain. My best option was to see the paths that others were taking and to copy their course.
In our God journey there are those that have gone before us and are worthy to watch, always making sure we keep our eyes on the horizon so we don’t lose sight of our goal.
Once I had navigated that tricky section I was rewarded for getting through it with a beautiful expanse of springtime greenery. I paused for a time and breathed in the majesty of our creator God.
I was almost to the end of my journey where the path narrowed to a point that the only way through was in single file. I thought about the fact that the journey of leadership can be a lonely one at times. God does send people to come alongside at times and this can help prepare us for these moments of isolation or solitude.
At last I had reached my intended destination of the village church. The path I had taken took me twice as long but forced me to notice many things. I was able to sit in the serene environment of this worship space and reflect on the lessons of the Lord for me on that day.
Psalm 25 verse 4 describes well my experience: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.”
May I always be faithful in taking the paths He has marked out for my feet. May you be also.
Be blessed.
A Blessed Life 