Less Traveled

One of my favorite poems is called "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. I was a lit major in college and earned that degree, but poetry wasn't exactly my strongest area. Second only to Shakespeare which flummoxed me with his irony, metaphors, and deeper meanings. I don't think I'm the only one. (But if you want to engage your brain in an entertaining movie, try "Much Ado About Nothing.")

Frost, however seems to speak my simple and poignant language. Horses stopping in snowy woods and miles to go before sleeping makes sense to me.

I may not read or write poetry on a regular basis, but I do read the Bible every day and talk to God all the time. I figure if he created the universe, sees and knows everything, and loves me enough to die for me, he's the one I should consult for life decisions.

I know, I know let's get to the point.

The other day when I was asking God about some big decisions that my husband and I are making right now about house purchasing and moving, I told him I feel like life has more questions than answers right now. Some of our decisions that appear right have produced closed doors and others that make no earthly sense seem like the path we should take.

A whisper came into my mind "the road less traveled."

Naturally, I though of the aforementioned poem and took the time to read it again, not sure that I remembered it verbatum.

I think I've always thought about it in terms of God and the words Jesus spoke about the narrow road. the one most people don't take because, well, it's not the one most people take. If you get my drift. I imagine that the "yellow wood" road as a narrow, winding path that bends out of sight in the overgrowth of foliage. The footing might not be very stable--maybe even a little rocky and not as clearly marked unless we're keenly observant; but maybe that is why God's word says he gives us feet like the feet of a deer (Habakkuk 3:19 & Psalm 18:33) and that his word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105)

Maybe we need to push through and keep walking on that road less traveled. Perhaps that is the one "that makes all the difference" in seeing miracles and experiencing incredible things from the hand of God.

I suppose the poet could also have meant something else or even that taking that road less traveled has made the difference in a negative way. Or maybe the two roads end up converging later down the lane? Who's to know except Frost and God themselves?

But I'm holding onto the whisper and trusting God to direct us with his light down the best path for us. I know his ways are beyond me--remember the universe? Yeah, I couldn't begin to imagine all the intricacies of God's mind--over and over he has proved his hand is on my life in the best ways even when I'm not sure of the path or don't understand it. 

Maybe you don't know that, haven't experienced it, have decided God isn't real or worth your time to see if that's true. No matter. Whether you do or not, I'm pretty sure like everyone in life, you've been face with two roads from which you must decide. 

Just remember that what you choose will make all the difference.