“The Less Traveled Road”
When I was a teenager, Dad would have a habit of sharing his stories and advice with me – at bedtime. He would come sit on my bed just after I pulled the covers up. He would share stories from his youth, from his Army days, and he would share his hopes and dreams with me. He would often quote poetry. One night he shared the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken.”
His recitation was moving. He was especially emotional when he came to the lines:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
I have often thought of that night. It was very apparent that he was telling me to be my own person, not follow the crowd and to stay true to my faith. Many times in my life I have faced two roads. Sometimes I have traveled with the crowd. I have joined in and walked for miles, joyfully, willingly, blindly following the group. These roads sometimes led to a destination at which I was not fully intending to arrive. Most of the times I found that these roads followed the world and turned me away from the Word. I would arrive at a destination and look for a way out. There was always a path open to me. Sometimes the path was well marked and evident, sometimes I had to search. All of the times the path led me away from the world and back toward the Word.
Walking the less traveled road is often lonely. It is possible to see the wide avenues filled with people laughing and sharing their journey, but they do not notice me. Almost always my companion on the less traveled road is my wife. She extends her hand and we walk together, sharing, observing, and leaning on one another.
We sometimes meet other people. We visit, share experiences, and pray for one another. We refresh each other on our journey. Regularly we will stop at church. We cherish the time we are comforted, encouraged and renewed through interaction with the body of believers and the Body of Christ.
Perhaps the disciples felt much as I do. Christ had returned to heaven and they had to make choices. Their roads were much like my roads – some very crowded, some less traveled by. They also cherished the companionship of family, friends and fellow believers as they walked the less traveled by path.
I thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. I thank you for your walk with me. As we travel along a new path together, we are comforted to know that we have a very real and constant companion – our Risen Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ!
His recitation was moving. He was especially emotional when he came to the lines:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”
I have often thought of that night. It was very apparent that he was telling me to be my own person, not follow the crowd and to stay true to my faith. Many times in my life I have faced two roads. Sometimes I have traveled with the crowd. I have joined in and walked for miles, joyfully, willingly, blindly following the group. These roads sometimes led to a destination at which I was not fully intending to arrive. Most of the times I found that these roads followed the world and turned me away from the Word. I would arrive at a destination and look for a way out. There was always a path open to me. Sometimes the path was well marked and evident, sometimes I had to search. All of the times the path led me away from the world and back toward the Word.
Walking the less traveled road is often lonely. It is possible to see the wide avenues filled with people laughing and sharing their journey, but they do not notice me. Almost always my companion on the less traveled road is my wife. She extends her hand and we walk together, sharing, observing, and leaning on one another.
We sometimes meet other people. We visit, share experiences, and pray for one another. We refresh each other on our journey. Regularly we will stop at church. We cherish the time we are comforted, encouraged and renewed through interaction with the body of believers and the Body of Christ.
Perhaps the disciples felt much as I do. Christ had returned to heaven and they had to make choices. Their roads were much like my roads – some very crowded, some less traveled by. They also cherished the companionship of family, friends and fellow believers as they walked the less traveled by path.
I thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. I thank you for your walk with me. As we travel along a new path together, we are comforted to know that we have a very real and constant companion – our Risen Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ!