Tuesday; August 22

In 1916 Robert Frost penned a poem for the ages.  In an effort to compel people to rethink the implications of the decisions they make Frost wrote, “The Road Not Taken”.  I don’t know how many of us could recite the poem, but many of us can identify parts of the work.  As a man comes to a fork in the road he is compelled to make a choice.  After a bit of contemplation the narrator makes the statement, “I shall be telling this with a sigh … Somewhere ages and ages hence: … Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, … And that has made all the difference.”
As with most historic literature I am sure that we have a tendency to overthink message, but as I reflected this poem I recalled another bit of classic literature.  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus observed, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14)  In essence, Jesus compels His disciples to take the road less traveled.  Following the crowds (who usually take the path of least resistance) makes for a smooth journey, but doesn’t lead to our desired destination.  The road less traveled (and the one more difficult to traverse) will challenge us, but will lead us to the better life.
My Mom used to warn me about “following the crowd” and she was right.  Being in the majority doesn’t necessarily mean being in the right.  Let’s take the trail blazed by Jesus.  It may lead us through a lot of sacrifices, but, eventually, we find ourselves in a place that will make all the difference in the world for us. 
Think About It!

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