#77 Thoughts from the back deck of my friend's house in Michigan... Two Roads.

Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

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.

I have been at a pastor's conference this week in Michigan. The colors have been amazing. I have walked daily, as much for a chance to take in the beauty as for my health.

I spent time with fellow church workers learning and discussing and enjoying walks alone through the dirt roads and colored leaves. It's all made me somewhat reflective. It brought Robert Frost's poem and my life choices to my mind. 

Some smiles and some regrets. 

Dreams unrealized and realized.

Not really sadness in this time of reflection as much as a sense wonder and awe of living life with Jesus.

•Two guys I went to seminary with are district presidents. 

•I don't know how many got their doctorate. 

•At least three guys are or have been seminary professors. 

I have served in the parish for 22 years. I had people tell me to get my doctorate. 

I had that opportunity and did not take it.

 
People encouraged me to consider allowing my name to be nominated for district work. 
Honored, but I passed.

I had an opportunity to be a chaplain in an institutional setting (not that kind of institution! 😀).
I said thank you, but I didn't think so. 

Different opportunities. Many calls to serve: some accepted, most not. 

Each decision. 
Each opportunity. 
Each step in life...
Is a moment of "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood." We can't travel both. 

Sometimes we want or expect God to guide our every step. God is God and he can do that but God is not a puppet master controlling our every move. He does lead and guide but he also works through our choices. 

Maybe I could have been a District President.

Maybe I could have gotten my doctorate.

Maybe I could have been a professor at one of our seminaries or universities. 

Those people I know who did those things might think to themselves: "I could have been a pastor for 22 years"

If I would have done one of the things some of my classmates did, that would be great but then...

I could not have met all the wonderful people in have met in 22 years of ministry. 

I would not have stood by the graves with families. I would not see the love of couples getting married.

I would not have shared Jesus week after week through the sermons, Bible studies, around the kitchen table, at the bedside, or any of the other places the Holy Spirit lead me to be.

Like the poem, "Sorry I could not travel both" probably has some truth in that phrase. Yet remember, God has worked and will continue to love and use you in his kingdom work where you are at right now.

I am fully aware that...(And I hope you are too!) that...

Each decision
Each opportunity
Each step in life...
Is a moment where the Holy Spirit helps us trust that he walks with us regardless of our decisions. 

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

That realization that in life's journey, God uses us in unexpected ways, to make a difference not for our glory, but to his glory. 

And that has made all the difference in all our lives. 

Hebrews 13:21 ESV

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen

Peace out, 

From my friend's back deck in Michigan,

Andy