Take the trail less traveled.
“Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” —Doc
There’s a mountain preserve near my home where I walk and sometimes run (but mostly walk). Today, I took the path to the left and followed it up a small desert mountain. From the top, I could see for miles.
Looking over the vast terrain, something jumped out at me. The distinction between roads and trails.
The Phoenix area is laid out like a grid—a clear intersection of horizontal and vertical roads stretched out between neighborhoods across the valley. There was one road, in particular, that stood out to me. It was the road that dead-ended at a dirt trail. A trail that would eventually—some 2-3 miles later—lead to the place I was standing.
I imagined a car stopping at the trail, someone getting out, and walking the rest of the way. Winding, climbing, walking, running… and wondering where the path would lead.
That’s the thing about roads and trails. Roads are predictable. They are paved because they are common and part of an existing transportation system. But trails are different. They are paths, because a few have been here. But mostly they are mysterious, challenging, and require bold commitment.
Yet, the adventure is on the trail!
“Where will this lead? Where is God taking me? What will I see? How will we get there?”
More questions than answers. More natural mystery than concrete clarity. But the views are better… the air is better… and connection to the One who created it all—that’s better, too.
Might it be time to pull over and off the common roads and take a trail?