Fork In The Road
When the time comes, and you have to make a decision on which path you should take, what path will you choose? What choice will you make? We all have the times in our lives where we are faced with a choice, or the choice is made for us against what we actually thought was right. Or we make the wrong choice even though everything in us says we are screwing up. But, we look back and see how God was guiding our lives and letting us learn from our mistakes.
For me, in my 20’s I wanted to be playing drums on the road with a touring band, and I finally got the audition in Nashville I had hoped for. If I got that job, my life would have been completely different. However, the night before I thought it would be ok if I drove 2 hours north to see a concert and drive back and sleep for 3 hours and drive for 4 hours for an audition. I know I brought it all on myself. But, that was a choice I made. And I admit not the best judgment. I see now how my path was altered because of the audition I botched.
Totally unprepared, thinking I could just go in and nail it. I didn’t. I told the leader of the band he did not have to say a word if I were him I would not hire me. Driving 4 hours back to my hometown was the longest drive of my life, and then to go back to all my friends and tell them I did not get the job. It was a huge dose of humility.
The next years of my life God guided me through a journey to prepare me for the rest of my life. What was your fork in the road moment? Or have had your moment yet?
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
We have all made choices we regret or choices we would like to re-do or take a mulligan. (For all the golfers)
Years ago my mother and I had a conversation about when she was young. She grew up on a farm in Southeast Missouri. Many times her dad would keep her out of school to help her brothers and sisters work the farm. Times were hard, and they were doing their best to survive. During our conversations, she never was complaining just referring to it as hard work. I spent summers working on the farm with my grandpa. He would always get me up just before sunrise, and we would be working in the field’s right after sunrise. I never heard him complain once, He had a job to do, and he was determined to accomplish it the best way he could.
One of my favorite passages is “live the life worthy of your calling.”
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ”
Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, or if you have had the “Fork in the Road” moment or not. God urges you to live the life worthy of the calling you have received. During this path you are on are you honoring God?
Mike Conrad serves as our Worship Director. When he's not preparing for worship or playing an instrument, he enjoys spending time with his wife boating and fishing. Learn more about Mike here.
