I’m musing on familiar words I read this morning…
This is what the Lord says:
‘Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, “We will not walk in it.”
The Lord says: I’ve learnt, I’m continuing to learn, that God speaks into my life – both my big decisions and my ordinary, everyday and mundane.
Stand: We’re on holiday in Derbyshire with Daughter-Jo and Grandson-Luca. Often I’m busy doing stuff. Sometimes I need to stand still, take stock.
Crossroads: Crossroads speak of choices. Luca’s starting a new school in September. He’ll have choices – new friends, attitude to work…
Look: Consider the options, where does each road lead? Jo continues her training to be a church minister. She’s weighing up her options for now and the future
Ask: I like to be independent, trust my own judgement. I know best! Sometimes I need to ask trusted friends, ask my God… What’s the best road… the right road?
Ancient paths: New isn’t always best. On Friday we’re attending a family wedding. Chris and Hester are choosing the ancient path of love, marriage, faithfulness…
The good way: A good road leads to the best destination. Chris and Hester are choosing a good way… but can’t be sure exactly where it will lead.
Walk in it: Walking involves seeing the best way, making a decision and taking action. Luca, Jo, Chris, Hester will have daily choices about walking in the light of their decisions.
You will find rest for your souls: Choices have consequences. Life isn’t always easy, but we can know peace and rest in tough times – in school, work, marriage…
But you said, “We will not walk in it.” It’s the shock ending – not ‘They all lived happily ever after.’ I’ve learnt my hardest lessons through the consequences of bad choices… I pray that won’t be the experience of Luca, Jo, Chris and Hester.
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