The disappearing trail

      Today I retreated into the woods for some much needed solitude. My world can get so busy. I had reached the point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion – that place where my mind couldn’t rest, where my body felt tired. I wasn’t even sure what I needed heading out on this mini-retreat, but I knew if I carved out some time, God would surely bring restoration.
      Today that restoration involved my hammock, the quiet of the woods along the water’s edge, the entertainment of a few curious squirrels here and there, my Bible, journal, and 8 hours of uninterrupted time with Jesus. I have no idea where the time went…it flew by.

      During this time I didn’t solve any global issues or ponder any huge mysteries. I just let my mind rest. I watched the lake and the leaves falling from high up in the trees. I journaled some, prayed some, feasted on some Scripture, and mostly I was just still. I found it easier to breathe out here.

      8 hours later as I walked out of the woods I noticed something. The path I had used to get to this retreat place, it looked different. Actually I couldn’t even find the path I took this morning. How could this be? I thought as I stopped perplexed and tried to retrace my steps. Fallen leaves covered every inch of the forest floor. I knew the direction I should be walking, so I started off in that direction thinking at some point I’d again find the trail.

      This was not looking familiar at all. Where I had once walked along confident of each step, I now tripped over fallen braches and half-buried roots. The piles of leaves slipped under my feet and I fell in a few holes. After nearly being defeated by gravity I stopped, still perplexed. Do I turn back and try to find the trail again? Am I too far off the trail to find it? What’s up ahead if I keep going this way? 

      I decided to trudge on, and as I did I began to think. There are seasons in my life where I know how I got to a particular place, but when I try to backtrack the same way – I can’t find the path. At this point I think a decision has to be made. I can spend a lot of time and energy searching for the old path…but in the end that will just leave me tired and frustrated. Or I can decide to embrace the new and step forward – one shaky step at a time.

      Seasons come and go, leaves have fallen on old paths hiding them, and I have an opportunity to walk a new way. The new way is sure to be shaky at times and it carries some hazards, but in the end I’ll get to where I’m going and in the process I’ll get to see things I never saw on the old path. I’m excited about the new things God has in store for this new season. Following Him is always an adventure. So I step onward and continue to enjoy Him on this journey.