The Road Not Taken

Day 6

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Yesterday, I asked us all to “MOVE” in the direction toward Jesus.

So what did I do? I strapped Ethan into his stroller, Thomas jumped onto his bike and we moved.

Some people call it jogging, but for me it is wogging. It’s not quite jogging and not just walking. It’s the perfect combo for a newbie “runner.” As we were moving, I realized I needed to jog just a bit to keep up with Thomas as he coasted down the hills, but when it got time to go up a hill he was stuck. He asked for my help and I slowed down and gave him the little push he needed. He was back on track. Then we would come to a more even area and we were both pretty comfortable and enjoying the scenery until it was time to push or coast together. 

It hit me immediately, not surprising because EVERYTHING in creation is a METAPHOR for God’s love, that this is why we need people. Yes, Jesus is everything, but God created us to be with people! He can try to get us to “move” all He can, but it sometimes takes a hand on the back and a gentle push to make it up the mountain, and how much more fun is coasting with someone down a hill than by ourselves? Thomas and I had the best time pushing each other along our route. 

However.

Yes, I took a picture! I knew it was "For such a time as this!"

 The next day Caroline joined us. She’s a little older, a little faster. It was the opposite experience as recounted above. Thomas was all about being “first” and being the fastest. It was disastrous. God tapped me on the shoulder, okay more like shouted at me in my head, “You, Bonnie, who I love as my daughter, are acting just like your son.” 

Thomas yelled at me as I tried to push him up the hill as I did the day before, instead of joyfully accepting the help. Just like when I think I’ve got it all together and don’t heed wise advice that could make the journey easier; I wouldn’t want to appear weak in front of my wiser peers, right?

 He then got off and pushed his bike to get going faster by himself. At this point I knew he didn’t want to accept help so I watched him sweat and struggle and become more frustrated by the second. Hmmm…sounds like somebody I know...”This burden is so hard and I’m barely making it!”…God tried to show me help along the way and I kept my independence and pride by not reaching out for the hand He provided.

Then just for added emphasis, as the road became more forgiving and Thomas could coast along easily, he raced ahead Caroline and I seeing our home as our destination. Little did he know Caroline and I had planned a different route.

So as he gleefully gloated at being “first” home, I told him to go on inside with dad while Caroline and I continue on without him. Whoa. He did not expect that, and you can imagine the feelings expressed. I told him, “I had another plan for our trip and you will just have to miss out on the fun because you insisted on doing it alone and racing ahead.” 

I’ve known for some time I have the tendency to race ahead of God, and then I end up frustrated, tired, and on a different path than He intended. I’ve made a real effort to match pace with God for the last couple of years and let me tell you, dear reader, it has made ALL the difference. (I’m hearing Robert Frost there, too.)

He has shown me the blessings in resting, waiting expectantly, and obeying even when it seems weird to the outside world. Y'all, His timing is perfect. 

I’m able to recognize when I am not letting God set the pace a little more quickly now days. My warning signs appear: worry, tiredness, impatience with my kids…you get the picture.

What are your warning signs that you are out of pace with God? 

Move in the direction of Jesus a tiny bit each day and you will match His pace. You won't believe the reward waiting for you when you make a move. Just do it. Insert Nike swoosh here :)

“Dear friend, take my advice;
    it will add years to your life.
I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
    I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road.
I don’t want you ending up in blind alleys,
    or wasting time making wrong turns.
Hold tight to good advice; don’t relax your grip.
    Guard it well—your life is at stake!
Don’t take Wicked Bypass;
    don’t so much as set foot on that road.
Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
    Make a detour and be on your way.”
Proverbs 4:10-15