The road less traveled

Several weeks ago, I visited an area church to share my Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) presentation [W.A.C.K. is a community mission project providing healthy, home-cooked meals to those in need.].   I stayed for the remainder of the service and the Pastor gave a wonderful sermon about how we, as Christians, ought to take the road less traveled (as so eloquently written by Robert Frost). Even weeks later, this sermon has been echoing in my mind as I wait to hear from the Lord about my future and the future of my family  (I’m presently unemployed and I am desperately looking for new work.   We live in an already economically-challenged area which seems even more desolate with the current recession, unfortunately.).

As Christians, we are warned to not conform to the world (Romans 12:2) and travel down the road the world would like us to travel down — yet it is so easy to do, isn’t it?   Yup, even the most dedicated Christians experience the flood of worry which can take us over at a moment’s notice!   I’m just so thankful the Holy Spirit rises up above the worry and feelings of defeat and lends me a hand just when I feel like I’m going under the water.   God is good!    (The really funny thing is He’s there all the time; we just have to have faith and reach up! —    Matthew 14:31).

What is the road less traveled for you?   Perhaps it’s the road of faith, humbleness, or something else?

For me, the road less traveled is about faith (completely trusting God and His perfect timing) and perhaps making unpopular decisions for myself and my family’s future (in regards to employment and relocation).   Simply put, it’s about having faith in God’s plan for me and my family and gently silencing the not-so-positive voices around me.   It’s about looking up,  staying focused, and taking baby steps to get us where we want to be.

As I continue to grow in my faith walk, I’ve come to sense and realize the importance of seasons — not just in a climatic sense — but in relation to God’s purpose for my life.   I do believe God puts us where He wants us and needs us… and just like our earthly seasons, our “assignments” must change, too.   It’s just the cycle of life (and circumstances).    For some, change is extremely difficult.    For me,  I welcome change because it ensures new opportunities for growth and understanding.   Change keeps things from getting too boring and monotonous, too!    If we cease to be challenged in our personal lives, faith, jobs, and relationships, we just stop growing and learning.   When we stop growing and learning, we lose our zest for life and become “too comfortable” and set in our ways  [which then morphs into "doing things the easy way" and allows FEAR of change to ultimately take root].   When we become too comfortable and set in our ways, we often overlook or simply ignore paths which can bring us new (and very positive) relationships and experiences.   Sadly, all of this can become a vicious cycle of disappointment, missed opportunities,  loneliness,  and unfulfilled dreams.    Add “location” to this formula and you just might need anti-depressants!  (I say this because I’m located in western Pennsylvania and the sun doesn’t shine here very often!   Yikes!)    This way of life (and thinking) can really hinder and unnecessarily delay the good things God has waiting for us, and it can negatively influence those around us, too.

On a more serious note, there are many instances in the Bible where God directed someone to go somewhere and do something they’ve never done before  (i.e. Noah was asked to build an ark,  Moses was called to go and rescue God’s people out of Egypt, etc.).   It should also be noted that both of these men were afraid and resisted (and they made numerous excuses why they couldn’t do what God wanted them to do).   However,  God equipped them to complete their tasks and their obedience resulted in huge blessings for them as well as future generations!

Again, what is the road less traveled for you?   Is the road marked with FEAR?   Are YOU resisting the road less traveled and missing out on an opportunity for blessings in your life (and to bless others)?   It’s truly all about recognizing the start and end of our seasons and being at the right place at the right time.   Are you where you’re supposed to be?    Are you listening for God’s voice?   On the flip side, are you blocking the road for someone else?   Are you an encourager or discourager?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Change is inevitable.   How we respond to it determines its outcome for us, as well as others.

“Change” we can really believe in!

Last night, I attended the rally at Surf ‘n Turf restaurant (Johnstown) for Tim Burns’ 12th Congressional District run announcement.  This was my first time attending a political event like this, and I must say it was very exciting!

Tim Burns, a Republican candidate, is running for the late John Murtha’s seat.   The very poised young man spoke eloquently and I had a real sense that he was “just like me” and he shares the same concerns for this country as I do.    Also from the area, he expressed his concern for jobs — which was a very nice change of pace from the insincere-seeming jargon of Washington!    As an unemployed American right now, finding a good job is the very top of my priority list.   Also a family man, Tim Burns understands the importance of balancing our budget and getting a handle on our nation’s out-of-control and often wasteful spending — which ultimately will be an incredible burden for our children and grandchildren as we move forward.

Tim Burns aspires to work *with us to:

• Reduce government spending
• Balance the budget
• End government corruption; and
• Grow the economy

*Notice I said work with us — and not “on behalf of us” like Washington thinks it’s obligated to do.   Tim Burns wants to hear from us and he desires our active input so we can work, together, to get things back on the right track, advance forward, and prosper in these very volatile and uncertain times.

Perhaps the most exciting element about Tim Burns, for me, is that he is not a politician.   Yup, you heard me right!    Tim Burns is a regular citizen, like you and me, who wants to see the country once again flourish — not by and for government but by and for its people.   After all, it’s the hard-working and law-abiding citizens (and the entrepreneurial spirit) of this great nation who make it great — not the government and its arrogant “good ole boy” politics and know-it-all attitude.

For the first time in months, I feel encouraged.    I’m encouraged that “someone” is hearing my concerns and frustrations — and really listening.    I’m encouraged that other citizens are stepping up so their voices can be heard, too.    Lastly, I’m encouraged the community is rallying together around this upstanding candidate who truly has the people’s best interests at heart.

I look forward to helping Tim Burns with his candidacy, and I hope others will step up to assist him, too.   As Tim Burns shared with us last night, it’s not about Democrats and Republicans…   It’s about our nation and our future.  It’s about turning things around before it’s too late.    Our nation is in the fight of its life as we try to improve the economy (create jobs), decrease wasteful government spending, and protect our individual rights and freedoms!

“Have the courage to say no.   Have the courage to face the truth.   Do the right thing because it is right.   These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” — W. Clement Stone

Won’t you please join me?  Vote Tim Burns for Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district!