The Best Pathway

Blairmore House sits on the hillside overlooking the valley below. Below the house nestled in the trees by the river is a small cottage. A number of routes connect the cottage with the house, a road, a path that winds around the walled garden and an old driveway. The road takes the longest time; the path by the walled garden is the shortest and steepest, while the old driveway seems to be the most direct route.

Returning to the cottage one evening my friend encouraged me to walk along the old driveway. The night was darker than previous evenings and this was the first time we had walked this way in the dark. In the daylight the path from house to the cottage by the river below had seemed to be straight and wide. Confident that we knew our way and that the torch would provide enough light for us we boldly stepped out into the darkness. In the dark the path seemed longer than usual, the torch provided limited light and soon we discovered that we had gone the wrong way. Instead of heading to the lights of the cottage we had wandered off towards the road and a pond. Retracing our steps we soon found the right path and soon reached the safety of our cottage.

When we take control and trust in our own sense of direction, a path that might seem straight and wide in the light can become hazardous in the dark. Too often we want to be the one holding the torch, but I discovered my torch lacked the power needed to clearly identify the path we needed to follow. God often tells us in His word that He wants to show us the way and be the lamp to our feet. When we allow God by his Holy Spirit to guide and instruct us we need not fear the way ahead. God knows what is best for us and we can trust Him with every step of the way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know what is best for us. Thank You that I can trust You to instruct me and guide me along the best pathways for my life. Thank You for Your guidance and for watching over my progress. Amen.