DID I MISS A SIGN?

As I embarked upon a hiking adventure today with a dear friend, we arrived at a fork in the path where both ways looked somewhat untraveled. We stood still for a few seconds before she looked at me and asked, "Did we miss a sign?"

We looked behind us and all around, before we determined we had not missed one. However, we now had a decision to make. We decided to keep moving to our left and we only had to take a few more steps before we discovered we were still on the right path.

As I stumbled over rocks and pulled up the rear, I had time to reflect on what she had asked. For some reason, Peggy's question kept echoing in my head. "Did we miss a sign?"

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in a place and don't know how we got there or why we ended up there.

We might do well to ask ourselves, "Did we miss a sign?"

Was there some warning sign along the way that could have saved us some hurt or heartbreak?

Did we get a preview of the road ahead, but continued on the same route nonetheless?

Did we check behind us from time to time to see where we had already passed?

Had we missed a sign that would have sent us on a shorter path - an easier path - a more direct path?

Have we paid attention?

Every route is not meant to be a direct route. Some detours off the beaten paths are necessary for our travels. Sometimes, we must go out of our way even if we are uncomfortable on our treks.

When Jesus made some questionable travel plans that led him through Samaria instead of a more direct route from Judea to Galilee, the scripture said, "he must needs go through Samaria." (Jn. 4:4)

Then, we find that the detour wasn't for him, but someone in Sychar had need of him dropping by.

If we:

Pay attention to the signs. How great are His signs! and how mighty are His wonders! (Dan.4:3)

Obey the directions. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Ps. 37:23b).

Keep our eyes focused on our paths. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (Prov.3:6)

Trust the process. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding, (Prov. 3:5)

Keep moving forward. Let us not become weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. (Gal. 6:9)

Then, we will:

Arrive safely to our destinations.

Be a blessing to others along the way.

Be Alert and Keep your eyes open for the Signs.

When you don't see them, don't be deterred. Continue to Trust and Obey.

Put one foot in front of the other - you may be just a step away!