by Sandy Kirby Quandt

On a recent camping trip, Pilot and I biked over winding dirt trails through a wooded area. We enjoyed one particular trail the most and rode it often. Unlike the trail we dubbed Buzzard Bay, this one was not populated with a flock of nesting buzzards waiting for us to stop peddling. Deer gamboled across this path instead.

The first time we rode the trail, I lead the way. After we’d been on it for awhile, I felt confident the trail was easy-peasy, sped down one descent, took the sharp left turn fast, and hit the brakes to keep from running into the tree that was invisible until I was right on it.

Knowing Pilot’s tendency to gaze off to the side at whatever he passes, whether that be while biking, walking, or driving, I yelled out over my shoulder, “Watch out!” Fortunately, he slowed down and missed the tree.

After that first trip, we knew to be careful on the curve and approached it with caution before accelerating to our previous speed.

Our goal in biking was to have fun, get exercise, and enjoy God’s creation. Goals we accomplished each time we set out. The trails we rode were well marked and well kept. They were easily navigated if you paid attention to what you were doing and didn’t get sidetracked. The campsite had maps of the trails so we knew where we’d end up once we began.

Life’s a little like the bike trails Pilot and I rode. God designed it for us to enjoy. We have a map in the Bible that tells us the paths we should take and those to avoid and where we’ll end up deciding on which path we travel. We do okay if we pay attention and don’t get sidetracked by the distractions of the world. But if we take our eyes off the trail set before us, we could end up slamming into a tree.

Life’s a long and winding road. (cue Beatles’ song … )

We can follow the path God sets before us, keeping our eyes on Him, and watching out for trees that jump into our path, or we can disregard his voice and travel down Buzzard Bay.

The choice is ours to make.

Have you ever taken your eyes off where you’re going, for even an instant, and ended up some place you didn’t want to be?

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Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don’t make a mistake by turning to the right or the left. Proverbs 4:25-27 (CEV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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