The Valley Path

Allow yourself to imagine for just a moment...
Take a breath, close your eyes & go to a different place for just a moment...

Walking beside a stream, the water is cool and crystal clear. You can hear the noise of the babbling brook up head, it is soothing to the soul. You take a breath and smile - You have found it.. that place...

You are not alone, beside you is the creator, a strong hand holding yours, you are free to walk, laugh, talk, run, to explore.

Up ahead there are three paths.
The one that does a 90 degrees.. that is the one you would not take. That is not even a choice. Who would be foolish enough to leave this secure safety?.....No, that path is not even a choice (though I hear many who go down there are never heard from again)

The middle path, It is easier, and at times the creator can hold your hands, but mostly He has to just watch you.
This path is the path of Free will, much like the other path, but there are not as many challenges here (though you will have two hands which will allow you to collect things along the way) the path is smooth, no over grown grass, rocky outcrops or deep ravines, it is easier to walk, but you will walk it alone... and at the end the meadow is not green and lush, it is brown, dry and lonely, the water there is tasteless and sometimes stagnant, no-one to talk to, no-one to share with. Even if you do cross the path of another family member there, their ears are slightly deafened and eyes slightly narrowed due to their single-minded devotion to protecting themselves so they cannot really understand you, they don't really want to talk to you because they are on their own path, collecting up their own little treasures which weigh them down, you are merely a threat to them as you may take something that belongs to them. Don't even bother asking anyone to help you with your journey here.. they are too busy with their own.

The path parallel with the stream seams to have obstacles, they are not insurmountable but will take effort. The grass can be a little long in places that may cause you to get lost for a bit, but that strong hand promises to not let go.. it will draw you back to the right path. 

There are deep ravines and rocky outcrops but still, that strong hand says they will carry you  - have they ever told a lie?

The stream will become a little loud and fast along the path, but don't be afraid, because the water cannot touch you unless you want it to.

At times the path will become dark, shadowed by the towering mountains that are full of scary dangerous beasts..again, if you just ask the Creator who is holding your hand, He will protect you, for He can be scarier than anything along the path..I hear that even the dragon that resides there is afraid of Him.. thank goodness He promises to not let go of your hand and you can even turn your eyes when you are afraid and He will navigate the path for you.

I am told there is a green meadow and plenty of rest awaiting your arrival at the other end,  where the grass is lush and the stream is still, you can dive in and be refreshed...oh the peace it affords you will be worth every step along that path! 

I hope I have been able to paint a picture in your minds eye.
As a Christian, I am sure you understand the paths I talk about.
The first path of course is the path which denies Christ, even if someone acknowledges the existence of a creator, on this path, they deny that they need Him. I feel so much sorrow for these people. They may be able to be saved, but it would take us to step out of our comfort zone and love them and share with them the truth in order to get them close enough to the path so they can even see the hand of the Creator reaching out to them.

The middle path is of course the path of the Christian who places value on material possessions & self.. they place importance on their house, or their antiques or possessions, & their own comfort. Forever consumed with their own lives and their own importance. When they have time with their brothers and sisters in the Lord, they talk about themselves so much that you don't really get a chance to ask them how they are going. Their children do no wrong and they don't need anyones help. They cry poor but do not realise that they have so much to share, their primary concern is how they can get more, be more, do more for themselves. They are kind to their friends, but outside that, they don't even bother to touch others.. it may be too time consuming and after all, they are very busy people doing waht they feel is what God wants them to do.

Obviously the third path is the right path. A life devoted to our walk with the Lord and Saviour. Where we do not let go of His hand. Where we read the word, pray and fellowship in the word with others. Where we open up our homes and and invite others in, without holding back just that little bit for ourselves. To give to those who have a need without counting the toll on our own bank accounts/lives.

God is good all the time... we are not all the time.. but with His hand holding ours, we become perfect through the blood of Christ which was shed for us.
Choose the right path...