I’d Rather Travel Alone

Paths –

they’re always leading me.

And their dusty trails, covered in leaves, may try but just can’t hide the truth,

someone’s been this way before.

So I walk, unsure of where I’m headed,

but convinced I’m going in the right direction.

On a good day,

I have a plan.

Point A to Point B.

Purpose lines up with passion and suddenly every step is significant.

As Goldilocks once said after journeying through the woods,

these days feel “just right.”

Other days, I wake up wondering how I’ve even made my way to this tree-lined trail.

 Point A feels far away and Point B seems completely unreachable,

so I find myself wandering aimlessly.

These paths try to trick me.

My direction changes more often than my mind

as leaves whip in the wind and dust blows high in the sky.

What once seemed like a clear trek through the woods becomes a vague and uncertain stumbling over roots and twigs.

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Personally, I’ll take a “just right” day any time.

But then again, wouldn’t you?

Don’t we all long for an easy road?

A journey made smooth for our oh-so-tired feet.

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I still have so much to learn, but I’ve learned a little in my 52 years of hiking through life.

I’ve learned God never promised an easy journey.

And He definitely never promised lots of company along the way.

 He actually called His road narrow and straight.

And warned of a way to end up exactly where we never want to be.

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Don’t give in to worry or anger;
it only leads to trouble.

Psalm 37:8

How often do I do this?

I give in to worry.

I bow down to anger.

I find it so easy to fret.

And holding a grudge……well that’s just as easy as holding someone’s hand.

I’ve learned I don’t have to be an experienced traveler to carry things like worry and anger around in my backpack.

And I’ve also learned they take you nowhere fast.

Nowhere, that is, except to heartache and pain.

A destination I never want to reach.

So, I look a little closer up the road ahead of me.

The path seems to be talking.

Calling me to focus.

As I look,

I see her.

Just around the bend.

Waiting patiently to be found.

Wisdom is there.

She’s whispering (as all wise voices do),

“This path is rough……….but it’s the right one.”

Wisdom knows because she saw it too –

This pain-filled path went right past Calvary.

Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.
 She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are riches and honor

Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.
Proverbs 3:13-17

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Wisdom, keep leading me.

I’m listening even when it’s hard to hear.

All your paths are peace.

That’s what I want.

I don’t want easy.

I want you.

So worry and anger,

you’re not invited on this journey.

I’d rather travel alone than have your company.