During one camping trip several years ago, Pilot and I biked over winding dirt trails through a wooded area and quickly found out we needed to watch where we were going.

We enjoyed one particular trail the most and rode it often. Unlike the trail we dubbed Buzzard Bay, this trail was not populated with a flock of nesting buzzards waiting for us to stop peddling. Deer walked across this path instead. Much more pleasant.

The first time we rode this trail, I lead the way. After we’d been on it for some time, I felt confident the trail was easy-peasy.

I sped down one descent, took the sharp left turn rather quickly, and hit the brakes immediately to keep from running into a 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 is to have fun, get exercise, and enjoy God’s creation. Goals we accomplished each time we set out during this trip.

The campground had maps of the trails which made it easy to know where we’d end up after we set out. The trails were well marked and well kept. They were easy to navigate if we made sure to watch where we were going, and didn’t get sidetracked. 

Life’s a little like the bike trails Pilot and I rode. To navigate life’s trails, God gave us a trail map, the Bible, to know where we’ll end up after we set out. We just need to make sure we watch where we’re going and don’t get sidetracked.

Some of life’s trails are winding and treacherous, with obstacles that jump out at us when we least expect it. Some are straight and smooth. Some of life’s trails are filled with gamboling deer. Others are filled with lurking buzzards.

The Bible tells us which paths to avoid, which paths to follow. It tells us where we’ll end up after deciding which path we’ll take.

In life, we do okay when 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 just might find we’re rounding a sharp curve, and heading straight for a tree.

Life’s a long and winding road. 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. But as for me, I’d rather travel the trail with gamboling deer than lurking buzzards, wouldn’t you?

Have you ever taken your eyes off where you were going, for even an instant, and ended up in a situation you didn’t want to be in?

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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)

You can find my October Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

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