When I was a boy there were no smart phones, computers were something
you saw on STAR TREK, and our television only got one channel clearly.
Still, I was never bored.
The fields, hills, and woodlands around
my home were the perfect playground whose adventures were only limited
by my imagination. I can remember once hiking to a nearby lake and
slowly walking around it. At the backside of it I was amazed to find an
old, one lane, dirt road that I had never seen before. I immediately set
out to travel it. It was full of potholes and muddy tire tracks and deep
woods bordered it on both sides, but exploring it still seemed like a
fine adventure.
I walked on and on for what seemed like hours. I
am sure my guardian angel was whispering in my ear to turn around and
head back home but I was stubborn and even a bit stupid, so I walked on.
The dirt road gave way to a gravel one and then a paved one, yet there
was still neither a car nor a house in sight. My legs were getting
tired. I noticed that the sun was starting to go down and I grew scared.
I didn't want to end up trapped on this road in the dark of night, but
I was sure it would be dark before I could make my way back to the lake
again.
I continued to walk on with the fear growing inside of me.
My heart was pounding and my legs were aching. I was almost in tears
when I turned one last curve and saw something in the distance. It was a
house that I recognized. My heart leapt up! I jumped up and down and
laughed out loud.
I knew the way home! It was still over a mile
away but my legs felt like feathers and I hurried back to my house in no
time. I walked in with a big smile on my face just in time for dinner.
Then I ended my adventure with a good night's sleep.
I
remembered this recently when I saw a sign that said: "All roads lead
Home." This is true.
In this life all roads no matter what
their twists and turns can lead us home again. They can lead us to our
homes here on Earth. They can lead us to our homes in our hearts. They
can lead us to our Home in Heaven. What is important, though, is how we
travel them. Are we going to go forth in fear or are we going to go
forth in faith? Are we going to take each step in selfishness or are we
going to take each step in love? Are we going to make this life a
terrible trip or are we going to make this life a joyful journey? The
choice is ours.
May you always walk your path with love. May you
always go forth with a smile on your face and God in your heart. May you
always help your fellow travelers along the way. And may your roads
always lead you Home again.