Psalm 26:3 – For your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. (NIV)

As I step once again onto the beautiful trail to which God has directed me for my daily walks, my feet are cushioned by a glorious carpet of brilliant gold and vivid green. Droplets of dew, still clinging to the golden flowers, cause them to sparkle in the rays of bright sunlight streaming through the trees that line one side of The Trail. The golden carpet, bordered on the other side by a farmer's field of bright green soy plants, extends far up the gentle slope until it disappears from sight.

My heart rejoices once again at the ever-changing beauty that God blesses me with. Dandelions! Those golden flowers are the bane of many who see them as a pesky weed that destroys their lawn. I, on the other hand, see them as a cheery welcome to the winter-weary one, a reassuring sign that spring has finally returned.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that expression causes me to wonder at the life experiences that cause us to form such wide and varied perceptions. These, in turn, affect our lives, because we make choices based upon these perceptions. We need to choose wisely, basing our decisions on God's leading, rather than on our own thought patterns.

We all journey on many different trails as we walk along the ones our feet have chosen. Yes, we all will encounter some brambles and rough terrain, which undoubtedly will affect our attitudes toward life. Let us be watchful of the thorns, but there will also be roses among them. Let us take time to look for them, smell them, and enjoy their beauty. Our life experiences can make us bitter or better.

As we keep our eyes on our Creator, may I leave you with these words to help you enjoy your journey:

God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
       – Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)

Prayer: Father, You teach us that our choices influence the outcome, for better or for worse. Help us to look to You for guidance and wisdom in all that we do, and to choose wisely. Help us to be encouraged by the beauty that You bless us with every day, and to remember that You are always there, no matter where our footsteps lead us. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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