Trails

A tiny red flag guided us through the forest. Our host gave us directions and warned us that many visitors were misguided at one section of the trail and had to turn around at some point. They marked the trail with the red flags and a cross. 

At the cross section we looked for the cross but couldn’t see any. The one trail dwindled down and the other headed in the direction we wanted to go. It also looked more interesting with wispy grey old man’s beard hanging from century old yellowwood trees. We naturally decided to take the more adventurous way. Our host spoke the truth! Although proving to be an adventurous trail, I got stuck in a bramble bush and the trail went past the dull backyards   of cottages on the edge of the forest. We saw a messy spot where people of this quaint village secretly (at the back of their prized “Eco Shrine”) dumped their rubbish. In the end we had to sneeze our way back home on the dusty road leading to the village.

We decided to re-walk the trail and at the cross section we found the cross painted in yellow on one of the trees.  

We entered the cool of an unspoiled forest devoid of brambles and rubbish. Instead we came upon scarce birds flitting shyly through the treetops and crossed shallow brooks where we could sit a bit and quench our thirst.

 It reminded me of our way in life.  Our host did not provide us with enough detail of the cross on the tree and we just assumed that it would be easily visible at the cross section.  Due to our natural inclination towards surprises and adventure we took the trail that seemed to be more adventurous but turned out to be thorny, dull, and dusty and lead us nowhere. 

When we miss our prayer and quiet time in the presence of the Lord we miss the flags and crosses of the Holy Spirit. We then get stuck are mislead and miss our destination. When we closely follow Him with an intimate walk, we are more alert and able to see the not so visible crosses. We are then guided on trails which lead us on unspoiled and unique journeys. Ultimately, we’ll reach our destination while being offered spiritual refreshment on the way.