Unexpected Paths

Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.

“I don’t think we’re going the right way,” my husband said from the driver’s seat as he carefully negotiated the narrow mountain roads.

Checking the navigation app on my phone, I sighed. “I’m sorry, I have terrible service here. I don’t know either.”

Though we had planned on a picturesque drive through the Colorado mountainside, we’d taken a wrong turn. Worried about getting lost, we decided to go back the way we came.

As we brainstormed alternative destinations, my mother-in-law threw out an idea. “How about the Ski Tip Lodge? It’s one of my favorite places.”

We quickly agreed and arrived in Keystone a short time later. As we strolled down the path toward the lodge’s rounded front door, we were immediately charmed by the lush flowers and a glistening pond that reflected the mountains. It looked like something out of a storybook. My mother-in-law poked her head inside and asked if they would mind us looking around. Luckily, the front desk employee agreed to give us a tour since it was a quiet morning. As we walked through narrow hallways and admired well-appointed rooms, we learned that although it’s now a B and B with an excellent restaurant, it was once an 1800s stagecoach stop and later a private residence. Unexpectedly, the lodge had a reservation available the following evening, which we gladly signed up for.

The next night, as we enjoyed dinner together and marveled at the majestic mountains and cool evening breeze, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the wrong turn that had led us there. That evening was the highlight of our trip.

The Bible talks a lot about following the Lord’s path. And though our little detour didn’t have long-term consequences, the truth is, sometimes life mirrors the confusion of that day. Sometimes we question whether we’re going the right way or should turn around.

We aren’t sure where to go next. Yet it’s not the path we should trust—or our navigational skills—but instead, the God whose lead we are following. Even when we lose our way, we can turn to him. He is worthy of our trust.

Sometimes, those wrong turns and detours may even lead to unexpected beauty. Let’s trust in the Lord to help us navigate the way forward.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Reflect on a time when you felt like you had lost your way. How did God’s faithful presence help you move forward?