Pathways Uncharted

This week, I have invited a special guest writer, my neice Melody, to share with us what God has been showing her.

My husband, Shawn, is an avid film photographer who recently acquired a 1950 Rolleiflex. The other morning, he was looking for the opportunity to capture colorful fall foliage shots and I was looking forward to a morning spent together with a side of fresh air. We decided on a visit to Franklin Park located in our city of Columbus, Ohio.

Once we arrived, Shawn decided he wanted to go to an area of the park where water rolls over some rocks into a small body of water. To get there Shawn immediately began leading me across the grass, up and down some small hills, over some rocks, and through some trees. He did not seem to have a direct route and, in my eyes, it seemed a little funny to be walking about in that manner when I could see there was a path that started near the parking lot and led directly where we wanted to go. I began to think about how walking on the path would make more sense. It would have been easier walking. I could have walked at a brisker pace getting in some much-needed exercise. I would get to my destination faster and I thought it would be a safer way to get there.

So, I asked Shawn, “Why do we have to walk across the grass, up and down some hills, and over a rock when we could just take the path to get to the water?”

Without a moment of hesitation, he replied “Because if we took the path we would miss seeing things from a different angle. There may be something we miss if we are on the path.” Less than a minute later, sure enough, we made it to the water and we both laughed as Shawn said, “And look at this view”, because we came across a fantastically beautiful view that we most definitely would not have captured from the path.

Our walk in the park.

As I was taking in the view, I felt the Holy Spirit quietly show me how this experience with my husband was an analogy of our life together. How many times had Shawn and I taken the seemingly hard way, the unplanned way, only to find ourselves in the most beautiful spot we never saw coming.

We can rest in that if we invite God to take the lead. Our path may not always be the most comfortable or easiest, but it will be one that brings us joy and fulfillment.

What a privilege we have as Christ’s kids! We can take every care or source of stress and give it to God, trusting him to get us to the best things for our lives. God can surely be trusted to work every situation we find ourselves in for our good.

Can’t see it? Ask him to show you.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. . .”

(Romans 8:28 NIV)

“. . . He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.“ (Psalm 23:3 NIV)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)