One of my favorite memories is when Marcia and I were high school sweethearts; we would love to stroll through the unkept meadows of a local park. Sometimes we would follow the paths that were well worn and sometimes we would make new paths.
This reminds me of a description of how our minds work and habits are formed. I think it was Dr. James Dobson who relayed in neurological terms how God designed the brain to remember things. He talked about how the thoughts and habits we frequently visited carved neurological “paths” in the brain that made it easier and quicker to access than those that we seldom visited. He described it was like walking through a meadow. The worn path was the one we frequenty took; all unforged paths offered more resistance. This explains why habits are so enduring and why new habits or thought processes are difficult for us. We’re told it takes at least thirty days to develop a new habit or a new way of thinking. That is because we have to ignore the worn paths that take us to unhealthy places and beat down the weeds and thorn bushes that stand in the way of forging new paths toward healthy goals.
Today, we turn the page to a new chapter in our adventure, a quieter season of continued healing at home… a new path. It is, as God has spoken to us individually and as a couple, a time for new beginnings and the continued renewing of our minds.
What new/healthier paths are waiting for you to forge? What unhealthy paths are you willing to ignore in order to pursue God’s very best for you…and for those you love?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Timely discussion on paths…I thought of you this afternoon as I was out hiking in the Franklin Mountains. We came to a sign post marking the trail choices ahead: More Difficult or Most Difficult. It reminded me of your sign that said Faith makes all things possible – not easy. Yet, we ultimately get to choose the “path” we take; demonstrated by our response to our circumstances. Love you!!
Sometimes we realize we are not on the right path and then have to completely change our direction. Thankfully God is there to help us.