Along the road

In Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” the poet writes of two paths through a wood and by electing to follow the one less traveled, the resulting decision proves to make all the difference. Not surprisingly, our own lives are filled with choices, too – where to live, when to marry, what career to pursue – and the highways over-crowded with others facing similar dilemmas: Where am I going? How will I get there? Why am I here? What is my purpose? God designs us with an internal “search engine” pre-programmed to seek direction, thus helping us arrive home safely. Yet in our zest to reach the destination, some may miss a critical road sign or two (Matthew 22:14). Following the crowd, while seemingly safe (after all, how can so many possibly be going the wrong way?), requires little serious contemplation. Choosing the path less crowded (Matthew 4:19), however, takes courage, strength of conviction and unwavering faith. Maybe the less-traveled road appears darker because an unknown or unfamiliar path can spawn fear and uncertainty, or just feels empty and deserted void of traffic. But we know the result of this choice can, in fact, yield amazing results. For those who answer the call and believe, each is guaranteed God’s Perfect Son -- an unwavering GPS to illuminate the way that won’t misguide, mislead or misinform (Isaiah 42:16). With that kind of assurance, who’s ready to take the scenic route along Frost Freeway? The view will be nothing short of spectacular.

Where it all started

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)." It's very likely a bolder statement has never been put forth in all of recorded history. The Bible itself doesn't argue for the existence of God and it doesn't have to -- He has always been (Psalm 90:2). Yet, somehow, mankind continues to find ways to deceive, distract and distance himself from the one thing that would satisfy the true longing in his own heart... that of a vibrant relationship with his Creator. We spend our time in pursuit of personal achievement, professional success and public adulation, but then wonder why our "victories" still leave such a hollow feeling. It's no accident. God uniquely designed each of us and gifted us with skills and talents that serve His purposes and not our own. Most important, it is the gift of faith, or unmerited favor, that alone allows us to even recognize His singular responsibility for our very existence. When someone gives me an unexpected gift, I am compelled to return the favor, thinking "but you really shouldn't have." The true gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23) and there's no time like the present to begin thanking the Giver.