Five Minute Friday :: Path

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday with with writing prompt:

Path...

Go

Are we to choose the wide or the narrow path on this journey in life -- this race, where Paul tells us to press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus? I look around me and so often wonder. In efforts to give this race, or maybe ourselves, a good reputation it seems we're choosing the widest, smoothest path possible in order for everyone to fit in. But as easy and enticing as that path may look, I dare to choose a different path.

In just a little over twenty-four hours, I'll be motoring up the mountain to arrive at the starting point of a 30k mountain trail run. This is my first year running the race and I hear the path is fairly narrow, wild, rugged and scenic. Although their are hundreds of people running this race, I hear it feels spacious. I hear when one passes another runner, the passer sometimes offers an encouraging word to the passe. I hear the hardest part of the race is the last five miles of hot, flat, dirt road to the finish line, after the runner accomplishes the mountain. Ironically, that road is the widest, flattest path of the entire race and something tells me that having a big group of runners surrounding me in that last stretch isn't what will matter to me. I'll be focused on that finish line. And knowing my husband is trudging through that mountain, and those family members waiting and cheering for us will be what matters most. They will be the people I most want to see as I cross the finish line.

This path -- this narrow, rugged path -- is the one I choose in life. Although more difficult, I choose it -- running in freedom -- over the wide and crowded path.

This is my race. The one I've trained for, know my strengths and limitations in, and know my goal to press toward. I won't be looking for the 100 mile runners, nor comparing myself. I'll remain focused and run my race -- encouraging others along the way.

And what inspires me most about running this mountain trail run tomorrow is this: the narrow, wild, rugged and scenic -- all adjectives pointing through the narrow gate to our Creator.

Stop

"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention." Matthew 7:13-14 MSG

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14 NIV

Also sharing with Beholding Glory