Step into the Unknown

I love to walk and am grateful that my daughter's 2 hour long soccer practices are near a wonderful, paved path. It stretches for several miles, alongside a little creek, through meadows and woods and over several bridges. On any given evening there are many joggers, bikers, and walkers. Families. Friends. Dogs. It's never crowded but you are never really alone.

It was on such a day that while walking I craved some quiet time...just me and Him. I walked to one of my favorite spots down by the stream, just after a fantastic arched bridge that allows you to see up and down the stream and makes a rumbling sound when you cross it. And while this place was relatively secluded, it didn't bring me the peace I was searching for. I was restless and I couldn't really feel Him there. Not like I usually do.

I decided to head back to the car. As I walked, I suddenly had this strong desire to leave the paved path, the one I travel regularly on, and head toward the tree line. Once there, I found a narrow dirt path and followed it to a beautiful little spot where the water pools up a bit. A willow was umbrellaing the mossy area and an old downed tree presented itself as a perfect bench. This was a wonderful discovery.

And it was at this spot that I finally had some me time with God.

When it was finally time to move on, God guided me further away from the well known paved path and deeper in the woods. I was hesitant at first. I didn't know this path. I could barely see this path. I had no idea how far it went or whether it would even take me back to where I needed to pick up my daughter. I didn't know how long it would take for me to get there even if it led me back.

But one uncertain step after another I went deeper and deeper. I let God lead me and together we went on an adventure. We explored the unknown...well unknown to me. And I'm so glad I trusted Him and let Him lead me down a different path. A new path. A path I couldn't quite see. Because on this path, I was able to take in beautiful sights I had never seen before. Beautiful flowers and dragonflies. Places where the stream ran fast and loud and places where the stream branches off into serene pools. Areas where the grass seemed so green it almost wasn't real.

He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness

Daniel 2:22

The path was not always easy. I ran into countless spiderwebs before I had enough sense to pick up a walking stick to swing in front of me. I was a walking buffet for various bugs. Downed trees blocked the way at times so I had to climb over them. Swampy areas flooded by recent rainfall required me to find higher ground or even try to jump across (fyi, I can't jump). Other areas the path was swallowed up by vines, prickers, and weeds.

However, all of the challenging parts revealed a new treasure after each obstacle. And I was so grateful for the journey. So happy I chose to explore a new path and see where it took me. It was everything I needed. And the good news? It took me exactly where I needed to be when I needed to be there.

I hold on tight to the memory of that walk. It serves as a reminder to let God lead. He has made a path just for you but you will never know what adventures and treasures it holds until you step away from the path everyone else is on and trust the path God wants you to journey on.

It's not easy making that choice. It's not easy to take the path you can't really see and don't know where it leads to. It requires faith. But if you can gather up a mustard seed sized bit of faith, God will reward you with an incredible adventure just for you and all of the supplies you will need.

So the next time you are at a fork in the road, ask God which path He has planned for you. Then take that step into the unknown.

The Lord says,

“I will guide you along the best pathway

for your life. I will advise you and watch over you”

Psalm 32:8

Keep on finding the light...