Those who know me know I like to hike. Many people walk in their neighborhoods, but I prefer to hike nearby park trails and be one with nature, like Henry David Thoreau. I am fortunate to live near Manassas Battlefield, and over the last couple of years, I have hiked practically all the trails there, along with many others in the DC region.

It's been a cold winter, so I haven't had the chance to hike as much as I'd like. Recently, on a warm day, I drove to Manassas Battlefield to hike the Stone Bridge Loop Trail. I was dismayed to discover that others had the same idea. The parking lot and, as I soon discovered, the trail were crowded with people, noisy children, and a couple of dogs. I prefer hiking alone since it allows me to reflect on life, meditate, pray, and appreciate God's beautiful creation. On impulse, I decided to take the trail less traveled, the opposite way on the loop trail, which was empty. At first, I was annoyed by this change in routine, but as I walked, I realized I was seeing the same familiar landmarks from a different perspective. I noticed things I hadn't seen when I walked the other way on this trail. Instead of meditating, I became fascinated by the views and vistas I had missed, and I began greeting people warmly as they passed by. This old trail had suddenly become new to me. 

The same can be true about our walk with God. We like our usual routine—breakfast, scripture reading, prayer, cell phone checks, and starting the day's to-do list—and we disdain deviation. God does not work like that. Yes, he wants us to spend time with Him reading scripture and in prayer, but not to leave Him behind after that. Christianity is not just a religion; it is an active relationship with the living God, and He wants us to spend time talking with Him and meditating on His word throughout the day. He wants us to treat people as Jesus would. He wants us to open our eyes and ears to what is happening around us. There are so many people out there who need our help if we only pay attention. 

If we get stuck in our routines, God will surprise us; it is not that he wants us to be uncomfortable, but he wants us to be aware of what is around us. A long line in a store could be a time to talk to someone else, who may be having a bad day and needs cheering up. A power outage could be an indication that we need not watch TV or be on our computers or cell phones, but to focus on something else, such as spending time with those in our homes, playing card or board games, or just talking. The heavy snow that forces us to shovel our driveways gives us a chance to meet our neighbors, and together we can help those in our neighborhood who are elderly or infirm by checking on them, helping them dig out, or getting them groceries. Something out of our usual routine may be an opportunity for us to see God in a new way and for Him to use us to help someone else! Remember that!

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and it has made all the difference." God wants us to take "the trail less traveled by," to paraphrase the poem by Robert Frost, and it will make all the difference!

So take care and get ready to be surprised by God!

Bill R.