Throughout our lives there are many circumstances that befall us that help to shape the individuals that we are continually becoming. (I use becoming since life is technically never fixated as we are constantly in a state of change). If I were to draw a diagram of a my life on an artist’s storyboard, I tend to doubt that it would look linear in anyway. The timeline would definitely be full of turns, curves and bends that all took me in a different direction than the one on which I started (began life).
Recently I’ve been reflecting on those turns and bends on my life’s highway, wondering what I would look like, feel like, or even act like if my timeline had remained relatively linear. When I step back from myself and objectively review my past traveled roads, I see that all the directional changes are individually unique based on the circumstances of that particular era.
Not all the turns are smooth.
While there are portions of the road that slope gradually around large bends on the highway (edged with beautiful scenery reminiscent of my childhood)…there are still other turns that look quite different.
These are the ones that branch off from the well-beaten path. Veer off from every fork in the road that is reached and these turns always bring change (usually unwelcomed). The dark stretches of treacherous pavement are a bitter reminder of some of the paths that I’ve chosen. I’m not proud to admit that I’ve been a traveler on such journeys, but as I reflect back on those circumstances that got me there, it’s plain to see that the excursion was a necessary one for my character.
We choose many of the paths that we’re one…and then we’re placed upon others. The ones that are chosen may not always be the right decision, but the King of the highway makes sure that the journey is utilized for a particular purpose. In my thinking, the purpose of these difficult journeys is for Him to reveal Himself…and to make me a more seasoned and diligent traveler.
A few years ago, I went down a dark road. It abounded with sharp and treacherous twists and turns and for much of the journey I was convinced I was all alone.
Looking back on it now, I realize the intense distortion that one develops in the midst of a depression in life. We truly believe that there is no way off the path we’re on…and worse still, we believe we’re the only travelers that have ever existed in such perilous circumstances.
However, God strategically places certain people in our paths that are almost impossible to ignore. These are the ones that get us to thinking about our present state and open our eyes to the possibility that there is a purpose for the trials of life. If we don’t acknowledge these well-placed former-travelers, we may go back to sadly believing we’ve been left alone on this road of peril.
For me, it took several reminders to be made aware that I was in the company of others. Peaceful and reassuring remarks from the mouths of the wise finally found a resting place on my heart and it was in those moments that I truly saw the dark pathway for what it really was…a journey for something greater than myself.
Essentially I saw the darkness as a stepping stone that led me back onto the road that radiated with sunlight and calming, overshadowing trees. This is where I found a newfound sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the darkness. I’m frequently reminded that these beautiful trails are not long lasting…the dark paths creep up all too often…however I’m thankful for the peace that washes over me following the trial no matter how short-lived it may be.
It may have taken many bitter tears, tormented days and sleepless nights to understand His purpose…but once revealed, I couldn’t have imagined getting to the light in any other possible way.
I’m reminded of these trials in Laura Story’s heartfelt song “Blessings” (see below); this song could only have been borne from personal experience with which we can so quickly relate.
