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A Road Less Traveled

Driving back alone from our family vacation in New Mexico presented me with some choices. Typically, the fastest and most reliable route back to California is Interstate 40.  A road I have traveled many times, one with a known quantity of monotonous trucks, billboards, gas stations and tourist traps.  However, this time I desired an alternate route - a road less traveled. An acquired taste not shared by everyone as this particular alternate route takes you through some of the most remote and deserted places on this planet.  Some of these roads were acknowledged by google, some not.

After living in the desert of the of southern Arizona for seven years you learn quickly that everything in the desert, both living and non-living can kill you.  If it doesn’t have fangs or claws, it has thorns or snares.  The antithesis of its peril is its intense beauty and simplicity.  Dramatic landscapes, fresh air under a daytime canopy of bright blue skies, incredible color filled sunsets and night skies with penetrating star light.  Lands of unique contrast and contradiction.

I truly love the desert landscape and all it embodies, so I pulled off Interstate 40 and drove on roads less traveled. It was truly captivating, and I found myself experiencing a Candyland of emotions and wonder.  Alone, but not lonely I was stimulated by beauty, serenity and a presence of God not felt or experienced in other places.

For me it was a time to reflect in this unique creation with the God who made it and the God who made me.  Albeit this part of creation remains in its broken state, it still has value and purpose, providing refuge and habitat for many creatures.  This was a time to unclutter or declutter the mind.  Time to reflect on what's important, what's not and wonder about what lies ahead.

In my daily devotion I reflected on the prophet Jeremiah who lived in a troubling time when the grain of culture and behavior was counter to the way of God.  In chapter 6 God tells his prophet of the impending calamity his people will suffer because they have closed their ears to his teaching.        

This is what the Lord says through his messenger Jeremiah:

“Stand at the crossroads and look:

Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,   

And you will find rest for your souls.                 

But you said, I will not walk in it.”  

Jeremiah 6:16

Although God reveals his displeasure concerning the behavior of his people and the consequences that will result, He also offers a path of redemption for those who seek Him.  By the way, Jesus quotes part of this passage in Matthew 11:29 as he talks about placing our yoke (burdens) upon him.  

For me, taking a road less traveled offered both rest and restoration for my soul.   Though long trips like this are infrequent, the “crossroads” we stand at is daily.   Each day we make choices that lead down a path.  Which road will you travel today?  The usual, the safe, the one with the more conveniences; or the one less traveled?

Brent Sinclair

Associate Pastor of Adult Ministry 

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