We haven’t had a sign in a while and just to keep you on your toes, I’m not going to say very much. Instead, I want to hear from you and the thoughts that come to mind from this sign:
Stay on the path. Not stay in your plan. Path. Plan. The words are so close, aren’t they? But the sentiments for life, worlds apart. Paths have flexibility and meander. They often space to move to the right or left. Plans need to be followed more exactly.
For certain tasks or projects, I can see the necessity to follow the plan. When I was in high school there was a obsession to “discover God’s plan for your life.” (Maybe it wasn’t just when I was in high school, maybe it’s every generation’s obsession.) I think how much more life giving if we’d been encouraged to stay on a path and not discover a plan. So, here I say it to myself and if you want to listen in, you’re welcome. Amy don’t confuse a path with a plan. Stay on the path that leads to life.
Your turn. What thoughts did this sign stir in you?
Proverbs 4:25-27.
Our senior missionary at church says that since the Holy Spirit is in you, you can”go”as in Matt 28, before you “know” all the details of what will happen, like Abraham did. And you, like Abraham, and as Jesus gave example, must observe the path you’re on, sometimes going aside to listen to the Guide within, whether to turn left or right, whether to go straight or wait. We can trust the Spirit to reveal the Father’s plan as we follow the Way (the path). The path is a way of discovery, the plan is a way of control. So stay on the path that you do have, to discover God’s plan for getting to His destinations for you.
Great news…thanks for your discernment…so much for long range planning!!
When I think “plan” I see a racehorse with blinders, only seeing a short distance ahead with determined purpose. A path is an adventure, where surprises can be right around the bend, where we can be awed by the sight seen just over the hill of the path. Plan is work- routines followed to get to an end. Path is play – creativity and laughter, never the same, always changing.
Sometimes we need to stay on the path wherever it leads because to move off the path, we may lose our way, get stuck in the mud (sink into doubt or despair) , encounter plants (obstacles) that may cause us harm, obscure the way for those who are following us.
This path looks straight and narrow!
Most day’s I walk my dog on a path. We travel along to the end then turn around and come back. The path winds and curves and life along the path changes with the weather. We encounter deer, turtles, bunnies, squirrels, ground hogs, and of course other dogs and people. A path has so much to offer, and interesting things for the eye to see.
Plans are rigid. If fact I often start out following a plan and then go my own way. A recipe is a plan. It is precise. If you follow it exactly it generally gives you the same result. Not so with a path.
I’m a path person. I tend to turn plan’s into paths. I take a recipe or four…and use what I have available to change that recipe and make something similar.
The way, a path, it all reminds me of the simplicity of Micah 6:8~ The Lord has shown you o man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To do Justice, to Love Mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.