The Road Traveled

There will be times when we grow weary and want to throw in the towel. We experience pain, fear, and a host of other negative emotions. We win some battles but lose others in the war to achieve our goals and dreams. This is especially true for those among us who are overachievers. We may get discouraged when we can’t see progress, even though we have been working hard, but we must persevere through it all. We can maintain the ground we’ve gained.

It is proper to endure suffering and take the journey of life in stride. How many times do we look in the mirror each day? Suppose I looked in the mirror and found that I had mustard smeared around my mouth. Wouldn’t I immediately wash my face? I routinely look at myself and the journey of my life, and if anything is wrong, I take the proper steps to fix it. It requires a sensible personal inventory and immediate action if something has to change. To spend all day with mustard smeared on my face is nonsense. It is not reasonable to recognize something needs to change and not correct it promptly.

Often, the road of life takes us through painful places we would rather avoid. There are many temptations along the way and shortcuts in abundance, but it’s a good idea to beware of shortcuts that take us away from God’s will. The One said it best, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” For me, it comes down to ignoring offers that are “too good to be true.” There aren’t any quick fixes to life. The road to a happy life is long and bumpy, sometimes difficult, and sometimes tragic. Life includes heartache and tremendous joy. Walking the right path is not always easy, but it is a satisfying path. The lessons we learn on our journey help us grow. I am certain of this; many have gone before and have been successful, and so can I!