Yearly camping trips to Glacier National Park were the highlight of my childhood.
Infamously known as “bear country,” my family had to remain vigilant during our visits because of the numerous grizzly and black bears that made Glacier their home.
On one such camping trip, when my dad, brother, and I were several hours down a less-traveled hiking trail, we made an alarming discovery. Smack dab in the middle of our trail was a massive, fresh pile of bear scat. Swiftly determining the dangers of continuing on this path, my dad immediately reversed our course. Although disappointed we wouldn’t enjoy the red-rock waterfall awaiting us at the end of the trail, my brother and I trusted our dad’s guidance. Fully confident in him to lead us to safety, we followed closely on his heels until we left the bear—wherever he was hiding—far behind.
As hiking in bear country taught me, we must be careful where we walk. Daily, we are presented with a host of decisions that will either lead us down the right path, leading to life and fullness, or the wrong path, leading to death and destruction. Whether we allow ourselves to lash out at another driver on the road, watch an explicit TV show we know we shouldn’t, or allow bitterness to take root toward a family member, we must constantly choose which path to trek.
Fortunately, we don’t have to walk alone. Not only do we have the Bible to act as our map and a lamp for our feet, but we also have the Lord, our trusted guide, to lead us on the path of righteousness. As we stay rooted in Him, He will help us along the right path and redirect our course when we head down the wrong one.
On which path are you headed?
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Emily Marszalek enjoys the simple pleasures in life in the Pacific Northwest with her husband Nick and their two Goldendoodles, Charlie and Lucy. She loves jigsaw puzzles, animals, rock music, and all flavors of birthday cake.