Monday, March 1, 2021

Rail Ways

 “Fix your gaze straight ahead, keep your focus on Him." ~ Proverbs 4:25

Ariella loved to walk … without a specific purpose … until her legs tired.  In such a fast-paced and proficiency driven world, that idea seemed counter-intuitive to most; a complete waste of time.  Living life had become all about doing, without much thought for simply being.

But for Ariella, these meanderings gave her the most fortuitous moments.  She often came across ‘hidden’ secrets or creative ideas; things she might’ve missed had she any specific destination.

Today Ariella took her usual time, savoring the sound of birdsongs, wind noises brushing through the trees, even the sound of her own footsteps trampling the ground.  Scanning the horizon for a new adventure, she spotted a set of railroad tracks. 

She let her mind imagine the earth trembling as coal cars stretching beyond the horizon rumbled by.  Or maybe empty box cars rattling in the rain.  She even pictured herself as a hobo whose personal freedom ranked well ahead of any ambition for worldly gain.

Ariella hopped up trying to balance herself on a single rail.  They were both narrow and slippery.  She slid off immediately.

Undeterred, she tried holding her arms out and watching her feet as she walked.  Wobbling, she fell off after only a few steps.  She made several similarly unsuccessful attempts before falling off and scraping her knee.

It was only when she started looking ahead, far down the tracks, that she could walk the rail.  Keeping her eyes forward with one foot in front of the other, Ariella soon walked with confidence.  Minus any other sort of stimulation - no talking, audiobooks or music, an unexpected life lesson came to mind.

You can’t go through life, she thought, watching and fretting about every step you take or choice you make. That second guessing often leads you off the rails.  Looking behind is even worse.  You can’t see the path ahead with your eyes on the past.  You can only stand still; stuck in your regrets.

It’s only when you look ahead that you can really move forward, envisioning the life you want to lead, the love you want to share, and the light you want to shine.  Then each step you take and every choice you make is filled with love, compassion and humility.

When you’re in the middle of life’s storms, it can be hard to find the strength you need to keep going.  And when a friend, a loved one, or family member faces trials, it’s difficult to know how to encourage them.

So, keep your eyes forward, seeing with our hearts the life we want to live.  We all need to take each other’s hands and walk the path of love together, knowing that God is by our side with each step we take.

Lord Almighty, help me to keep my eyes focused ahead; trusting You even when the way forward seems filled with uncertainty.  Lead me in Your righteousness; make Your way directly before my eyes.  Amen