Two Ways

Scripture: Psalm 1

Song: The Lily Of The Valley

There were two ways to get to my friend Junior Russell’s house. I could take Highway 70 and coast nearly the entire distance. Or I could ride down Cave Creek Road, turn right at Eugene Voiles’ house, and pedal the steep mile-and-a-half to the top of the ridge where Junior lived. I preferred the first route, but Mom didn’t want me riding on the highway. It wasn’t safe. Cars drove too fast along the stretch of highway between our house and the Russell’s. And the route was not only downhill, but curvy so that motorists might not catch sight of a little boy on a bicycle.

So I took the uphill road. It was lonely – not much traffic, slow – especially in July, and bumpy – even on a bicycle. But I rode it – and often – because on the top of the hill at the end of that slow, bumpy road in a small white house lived a little boy named Junior. He was my friend.

The way of the righteous is not the easy way. It’s only for those who pedal hard. The way of the ungodly is mostly downhill. It’s well-paved and boasts lots of traffic. Make no mistake – these two roads are not two ways of getting to the same place. The downhill path promises to be a through street but it’s actually a dead end full of hidden perils. Take the uphill path. It may not be the popular way. But at the end of that winding, rugged road is Someone who’s expecting you. And He’s prepared a place for you to rest when you arrive.

Jason Moore