“You make known to me the path of life. . .” (Psalm 16:11)

The high school was in my backyard, an easy walk across the lawn and a small field to the complex grounds–until the day workers began building the fence. It was constructed, link by link, the full length of the street. There was no gate, and it was too high to climb over, although I did examine the fence closely for a possible way to get through to the other side.

Finding it impossible to breach the fence, I had to start walking to the end of the street and up the next block, waiting for all the traffic at the entrance drive to the school, before arriving at the high school grounds. Such a waste of time and effort, I fumed for days. The other path was so accessible, so easy, before the fence denied this access.

ACCESS DENIED. How many paths were changed during the course of our lives? How many roadblocks of some kind were put in those routes to divert our walk elsewhere? How many times did we long for the easy, familiar way when all along God had other plans for us on this new journey?

“The steps of a man are from the Lord,
and He establishes Him in whose way He delights…”
(Psalm 37:23)

What did I gain from this new path to the high school? I encountered other students that I didn’t normally see. Some became friends. It was good exercise. I noticed more about my own neighborhood and neighbors on the walk. My perspective changed about the easy route. It was almost automatic, footsteps moving in the same tread-worn path. It was solitary, for no one else walked that way. The other route was more engaging with people, nature, and my own awareness of surroundings I had not really observed.

What can we learn from the paths God denies to us? What can we gain from the paths God directs us to in life? What can we give to others we meet on this course? How can we carry out the Lord’s Will in the direction chosen for us?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make straight your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

ACCESS GRANTED.

(Sharon G. Tate blog 02/05/17) teacherforjesus.com  Meditations on God’s Word