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Topic: Directions (02/02/04)
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TITLE: With Each Step By Val Walters 02/06/04 |
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I was at a crossroads, and I knew it. It had taken me a long time to get to this place. Was it years? The roads preceding were not like these; those were important, but, these, I knew, were crucial. And on these roads traveled confusion, fear and doubt.
The roads intersected, connecting to the one from which I came. To the left, I saw a gate. Visions of home enveloped me. This would be a place of comfort and ease, I thought. A place where I would belong. Then, it shouldn’t take long to get there, to the place I was going. Not long at all. I look down this road and it appears to be paved and safe to travel. This one will be good for me. It would be effortless. As I reach out to open the gate, I look beyond it. He says, “What awaits you is a dry and parched land.” No more desert places, I cry inwardly. Not of my choosing. So, I turn away.
The road on my right will get me there faster. At least, that’s what the sign indicates. That’s what I need. It has taken me so long to get here. I need to rest. Quicker is better, right? Looking down this broad road, I see the city looming in the distance. It calls out to me. It reminds me of all the beautiful cites I visited on my way here. Places I still longed to go. Places I had yet to see. Places where dreams come true, only if… If what? Something within screams-- NOT THIS ROAD! And again, I turn away.
It has taken so long to get here, but I can’t decide.
Turning back to the road I came from, memories flood my mind. Some, I wish to forget. Yet, I remember the journey here. Such a long time. I remember them all: The desert places that pierced my soul. Those hills and valleys that pervaded my mind. The seaside hideaways that forever chant my name. But, it was not always unpleasant though. I remember lavishing among the Sunflowers, their faces still dance in my mind. I meandered in detours of my own choosing, only to be flourished when the roads converged. And those roads kept pushing me forward toward the straight path. Always in the direction He wanted me to go.
Was it really safe down there? I continue to look, holding on to some remnant of the past. I can still go back—at least I know what to expect. They say you always return to what you know when the road ahead seems uncertain. I have turned back before. But delaying the process does not stop it. Only for a time. And here I find myself again, but this time it’s different. No, nothing remains for me down there. Now I must go ahead. So, I turn my back on this road.
I look at the road that lies in front of me. Fear grips me, as in times before. This time, I remember, He will not leave you or forsake you. You must go ahead. I look at the road straight ahead. It is much different than the others; than the ones previously. There is no sign post. I do not know what to expect. I do not know how long it will take to reach my destination. But, I step ahead. And with each step, the landscape materializes under my feet, banishing the fears. And with each step, He says, “Trust Me.”
I do.
And, I am reassured. I know the direction will come when I need it; Always when I need it. Again, I step ahead.
“I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.”
I hold on to that promise and know that now the journey truly begins. And, I step ahead, restored.
© V. Walters 2004 (all rights reserved)