Trailblazing

Yes, there is a path there. You just can’t see it. Yet.

Trailblazers are always faced with scenes like this one. To get from here to there is going to take some effort. You’ll need a plan, a vision of where you want to go. Then, bring along the right equipment; in this case a lot of it. That looks pretty dense to me. Next, it would be nice to have some help, so bring some friends. Finally, bring some basic medical supplies because there will be scratches, cuts, bug bites. Trailblazing can be tough.

Once there was a man who blazed a special trail, not through a thick forest like this one, but through the tangles and briars of life. He had a plan, a universal forever plan given to him by his Father. His equipment consisted of something he called The Word, the message that had power and purpose within itself. He was convinced that The Word could change everything, even the places where it seemed impossible to break through. And he had help. He brought a special group of people he called Disciples, but there were many, many more who supported his trailblazing efforts. The only thing he didn’t bring for the work was a bag full of medical supplies. Instead he talked about “sacrifice” and the willingness to give oneself to the project.

Jesus did all this because he was convinced that on the other side of that thicket was a beautiful place where all trail followers could sit by still water, restore their bodies and souls, and find, to their utter amazement, a picnic blanket spread and enough food for everyone. Everyone.

Well, the trail has been blazed and used by millions of travelers. I’ve been told that when you follow this trail you might hear his voice in the wind, his encouragement to keep going. The journey is its own reward; the beautiful place ahead is a gift. Who would turn down a chance to walk a pathway like this.

Not me.