Taking The Joyful Route

..So today I was walking through a park and I had a choice to walk on the sidewalk, or I could walk over a bridge that flowed over a little creek overlooking the park.. The sidewalk was a straight shot to my truck, a much straighter path to my destination. A simple man would simply keep walking straight on, but not me. I chose to walk over the bridge. 
Wanna know why?

It was simple for me in that moment of decision. I chose the more joyful route. The route over the bridge offered up to me a moment of beauty within my walk to where I was going , and while the route I chose twisted and turned away from my truck..away from my original destination it was a path filled with joy and beauty. 

I stood there on the bridge for just a moment, and the Lord spoke so sweetly, and so gently to me. He begin speaking to me about this very thing ..Why did I choose the bridge instead of the sidewalk? 
In my head it was simply because it was the more scenic route. I would get more enjoyment out of it. I had more to learn of my reasons I guess. 

The sidewalk was a straight shot. No pot holes in the ground, no roots sticking up to trip me  (don't laugh that did happen), no slippery broken planks of wood..The sidewalk offered safety. The sidewalk offered security. A paved surface, a straight shot who wouldn't take that route!?
 The sidewalk bored me compared to looking at the bridge.

So here I am being taught a parable over a bridge and sidewalk. My life is about to change in a drastic way. In 11 days I launch from Washington to begin my journey on the World Race. Thanks to you guys and the Lord's faithfulness I have $11,702 in my account and I'm only $3,798 away from being fully funded!!

Understand this parable with me-
My life now isn't the sidewalk. I love my life, my crazy beautiful broken family, my loving nearest and dearest friends, I loved my job and who I became over the years. 

Understand that I wasn't someone who wanted to just get outta here and go..

Leaving is hard for me..

But here I am ..I don't walk the sidewalks in life.
I know this route I'm choosing, will be hard at times.. It will have roots and pot holes, slippery broken pieces..

And yet here I am chasing the beauty that He has set before me..

Waiting to share a beautiful moment with Him on the bridge..

I'm taking the joyful route..
Thanks for sharing in my journey