Keeping to the Narrow Path

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
though he should fall,
he shall not be cast headlong,
for the Lord upholds his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 (ESV)

Heal-toeing it along the path; I am hemmed in to my right and my left. One faltering step to my left, I tumble down the rocky cliff to the ocean. The other side crowds me with prickly berry bushes. Either side spells injury or death. I keep to the narrow path heal-toeing my way, looking down, but straining ahead to see. There are no barriers barring my plummeting to the ocean, nor is there a restraining wall to barricade the thorns. It is my deliberate choice to follow the path that has been hewed, keeping to the narrow way.
Yet there is uncertainty even with this choice. Depressions, rocks, turns, abruptly appear and hinder my walk. Progress is slow. Speed is not a priority. Impatience will be my downfall. It is faithfully continuing on the path that will bring me to my destination. The narrow way--heal toe, heal toe--I take it as it is hewed, stumbling on roots, scrambling over rocks, navigating the crevices, seizing the smooth way; straining for a view of the horizon. The time of my arrival is unknown, but I am confident that neither right nor left is how I want to go. It’s the being-hemmed-in that keeps me going, moving me forward to meet the Son.

Jesus, I may stumble and fall but

you keep me from being thrown completely off course.

Thank you for allowing the bruises, cuts and scrapes

that help me understand a little more

about the strength of your arm around me

and the enduring nature of your love.

AMEN.