We have a picture in our livingroom of a painting by Claude Monet. The painting shows a straight garden path that eventually leads to the unknown. I have looked at this picture many times and sometimes I tend to think that the path ends and a home exists behind the garden colors. Other times I have imagined that the path leads to more areas of a very extensive garden. In some cases I believe that the path leads to a great overhead arbor with vines curling their way in and around the wooden structure. Perhaps it leads to a great and wonderous fountain sending water skyward. There are many unknowns about the path and where it goes. I wonder about this garden path. For you see it reminds me very much of our lives here on earth. As we go through life there are many paths we travel. Some of them are enjoyable and some paths we'd rather not travel or just plain forget. But every day we see the path before us and just like in Monet's painting we often are not sure what exists in that shrouded area up ahead. Sometimes I long for the knowledge of what is there. I tell myself "If only I knew how this situation would work out I might be willing to put more energy into it." Or "If only I had a guarantee of my success would I travel this path." There are also times I find myself trying to travel backwards on my path wishing for the past. Still there are times that I realize I am taking slow steps and appear to be stuck in one place. Then there are those moments that I come to a halt fearing the unknown.
Perhaps you can relate to me in these life scenarios. Recently, I relearned a lesson from God. You'll notice that I said relearn because believe it or not my stiff-necked pride has taught me this lesson before but obviously I just didn't quite get it!! So, patiently, God did some reteaching. There was the possbility of our family making a move. My brain went into overdrive! It was shouting "Move over God! Let me take the reins here! I can so do this! I can run this operation!" I was on planning overload with so many options that it was exhausting! In the end it was a huge waste of time. For you see while I was painting my path with gusto he already had the plan in place. I found that even though I was asking God for his guidance I really didn't want it I just wanted my way. Perhaps you have been in this place, too?
The good news is simply this. God wants what is best for us and because he is God he knows everything. It is true. We don't know what is up ahead but he does. In his wisdom he sets us on his path and guides us. Psalm 23 is one of my favorite passages in his Word. I know many times it is used at funerals but I prefer to think of it as a living, guiding passage for us here on earth. I really like the way the New Living Translation reads:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by annnointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Many times we get so wrapped up in ourselves and the world that we need to stop and take a good look at what God is telling us. Look back in your past and think about the different directions your life could have taken. Ponder how many times and ways that God has worked in your life when he said "no" or "not now". I can specifically remember another time when he said "no" to a new job and a move. Soon after this I was facing a serious disease. When I look back I thank God so much that we were not in a new place with little family or friend support. Another lesson that keeps resonating with me lately is to take each day and live it with God's glory in mind. By staying focused on this my mind has less time to revel in the unknown future. For today, my friends, remember to trust him and know that he is painting the path!
