On a “Path”

“Life is a journey on a path”, so says one wonderful ministry. Terms such as “Path”, “Way”, “Journey” and “Trail” are common in culture, and are frequently used in Scripture. Psalm 1, Proverbs 1, Sermon on the Mount, etc…. all use such references. We can visualize the concept. It helps make sense of where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. It can be the lens from which we see our location, and what we think about ourselves, God, and life.

But we should reflect on where we have been on the path, where we are, and where we are going.

Much of where we have been is out of our control. Who are parents are, where we live, some of our personality traits, and our overall situation are not of our choosing. However, as we begin to make decisions on our own, they lead us on a certain path. We are always going along some path. Looking back at this path can help us see how our past has helped shape us, for good, bad, and everything in between.

We also should reflect on where we are at the present time. Obviously this is much more than just about dropping a pin on a map. This is about where we are in life. The question God asks in Genesis 3:9, “Where are you?” comes to mind. He knew where Adam and Eve were, but asking that hard question makes them have to at least consider the answer. It actually can be one of those deeper questions we can ponder as we search for the deeper, true answer. This is where the idea of choosing a road. Often it is described as a road to life, or a road to death. A road to wholeness, or a road to destruction. The way of the Lord, that leads to life.

But our consideration of the path may also tell us who we are. As one scholar puts it, the path describes a “way of life…a way of being”. It can be part of the lens in which we see ourselves, God, and life.

Travel wisely and well.