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I memorized The Road Not Taken as a senior in high-school, and though I can’t recall each line, the theme rattles in my head from time to time…
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Long ago, I pondered whether I would follow the path lovingly set by the Lord before me, or forge my own way, knowing which choice was the more popular of the two. Considering the sacrifice made by the One who went before me and made a way to meet God on my trail of self-seeking, the idea of following my own feet just wouldn’t settle in my soul.
Confident in the Lord who directed my steps, I set off on the less-traveled path. I delighted in the beginnings of my journey, as I knew I should. But when the path grew hard and lonely, darkened by death and disappointment, I wanted to back track.
This road would not diverge away from these obstacles, and turning back was an impossibility. I had to keep walking, knowing who walked with me, though I was not always aware of His presence.
There weren’t many who could have or would have walked with me on those paths. Though there are certainly ditches and trenches on every route, these circumstances were unique to my own, and I mainly maneuvered them alone. The dips and valleys many and fellow-walkers few, loneliness abounded, but just as at the time of my salvation from sin, grace did much more abound. The longer I follow Jesus, the happier I am on this path.
Not sure this is what Frost had in mind when he penned these words…
I shall be telling this with a sigh
I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:8-11).
This is just beautiful, Amber, and I love the picture, because it reminds me of home!
Have to confess that I stayed awake hoping you’d be posting, and believe me, it was worth it.
‘The road less travelled’…the harder choice, always.
And then, of course, there are those of us who decided to take neither, and go bush…ah, well.
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/09/your-dying-spouse-201-send-me-fmf.html
Thanks for reading. I hope I did not keep you up too late waiting. I struggled getting my thoughts together before starting this one. Thanks for reading… Goodnight!
Always, His path is best. Unfortunately, I took a side trip once that lasted a while. Love the pic!
I’ve stumbled off myself. Thankful He is always ready to lead us back!
So great, Amber – what a beautiful risk you have taken and are still taking every day! I agree, it will make all the difference xx
Thanks for listening to me preach to myself and always leaving an encouraging word ❤️ hope you’re having a lovely day!
Amber, what a beautiful post! And, I love the way the girl is looking up at her daddy. 🙂
The road less traveled can be the harder one, but there is peace in knowing we never truly travel it alone, right? I feel like i’ve traveled some of those paths, as well. They’re rarely easy, but when we get through them, the treasures we picked up on the journey can be very fulfilling.
Thank you, Jeanne. This was one of those I wanted to take back for fear it would be misunderstood. Thanks for sharing these wise words with me. Blessings
Just a beautiful post in both photo and word. These paths God puts us on are often traveled alone and yet, we find we were never truly alone. He is always with us and we take comfort in this. I am so glad I stopped here as I think it is my first time here so, “Nice to meet you!”
Nice to meet you as well, Joanne. I so appreciate you stopping by. I know my blog isn’t anything special but it is special to me that the Lord would use my words to touch anyone who stumbles upon this page. I love that I can speak the truth He speaks to me and then hear them back from those who leave a word here.
Great thoughts and writing. Such a rich poem! 🙂
For sure! Thanks so much for stopping by here, Denise.
One of my favorite poems. I’m glad we sometimes are called to take the road less traveled and that makes all the difference. I’m in the 40 spot this week.
I haven’t always felt that way but am definitely learning to see it in this light. Thanks for stopping by, Tara
I love that poem, and I like the link you make with following Jesus. So true that he often calls us to “the path less traveled by” and sometimes it’s not an easy path, but it is definitely the right path to take.
Thanks for reading and leaving a word, Lesley.
I love how you are looking back and remembering how far God has brought you and how he is faithful. Your path is yours and it is beautiful.
❤️ thanks, Christina. Some of the things have taken time to see them as they are. Appreciate your sweet words.
I love both the poem and the verse! You’ve tied this together beautifully!
This: “This road would not diverge away from these obstacles, and turning back was an impossibility. I had to keep walking, knowing who walked with me, though I was not always aware of His presence.”
Thank you for reminding us again that, although it may be difficult, we don’t walk alone.
Have a great weekend!
Shauna (#18 today on FMF)
Thank you for stopping by. Prayers for whatever you may be walking through today. Happy to have these new FMF friends.
I love the imagery that you used. It was exactly how the journey of life seems. visiting from #60
Thank you, Kristina. I always come back to this one in my heart and mind. The journey is long but God is faithful.
I related very much to your post, Amber – a road less traveled. Thanks so much for sharing.
your neighbour at FMF.
Thanks for stopping by. Thankful to have you as my neighbor this week
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