Paths

I recently returned from a trip to the beautiful state of Alaska.  It has rightfully earned its nickname of "The Last Frontier". It seemed as if everywhere I turned the view was prettier than the one before.  Massive trees and snow capped mountains towered above me on all sides.  Forests surrounded me that housed trees that are hundreds of years old and are untouched by man.  The landscape is truly breathtaking.
Our stay in Alaska included ventures such as fishing, touring islands on ATV's, shopping, and whale watching to name just a few.  My favorite activity by far was the day I went on a four hour hike along the Indian River Trail.  The temperature was nippy that day and the air smelled clean and fresh.  While we hiked through the forest, crossing log bridges as we went, we could hear the sound of the river rippling by.  Although the hike was strenuous at times and certainly got my heart rate up, it was very relaxing and just what my body needed.
The path snaked back and forth as we wound our way through the forest. A waterfall coming off of the mountain was to be our ultimate stopping point.  Every now and then we had to cross slippery moss covered log bridges or rugged wooded stairs.  At times the path was so twisted that we couldn't see what was right around the bend in front of us (each time I was praying that it wouldn't be a brown bear).
All of our twisting, turning, and climbing reminded me of one of  my favorite promises in HIS word-the promise that HE will direct my path.  "God arms me with strength; He has made my way safe...You have made a wide path for my feet to keep me from slipping." Psalm 18:32,36  (NLT) 
Just like the hike I took in Alaska that was full of twists, turns, and climbs; so too is the "hike" I take through my life.  My path will not always be easy and I may not see what's around the next bend, but I can be assured that He will protect me and keep me from slipping. I can pray the same prayer that King David spoke "Lead me in the right path, O LORD...tell me clearly what to do and show me which way to turn." Psalm 5:8 and I know that He will. 
I need not fear about my steps as I maneuver through this life.  I can be sure and walk with confidence because His word declares that " the LORD watches over the path of the godly but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." Psalm 1:6
Time ran out for us, so we never made it to the waterfall on the day of my hike.  However, I won't soon forget the hours I spent in those Alaskan woods. They were some of the best hours I spent on my trip and worth every sore muscle and blister that I got the next day. :)

"My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not eavered from following You." Psalm 17:5