The Road Less Traveled?

There aren't any established hiking trails on our property in the country, but there are miles and miles of roads on which I can get my hiking "fix".   I could get my exercise by bravely fighting my way through the thick briar-ridden woods, but it would cost me-I'm sure I would spot an occasional snake (eek!) and ticks and bug bites would be sure to follow.  Maybe some day I'll make that venture, but for now I'll stick to the safety of the roads. 
On a recent early morning walk, I spotted many acres of beautiful flowers all abloom.  My favorites were the wild Black-eyed Susans and the Widow's Lace. They seemed to be everywhere-along the roadside, up on hillsides and in shaded glens. While strolling, I spied a box turtle lazily crossing the road.  I think I surprised him; once he saw me he picked up his pace and scooted off to the other side of the road.  On that same morning, I was lucky enough to walk up on a turkey sitting on her roost in a tree.  One look at me was all it took-she flew from her perch in such a rush that she made it clear across the road and into a nearby field! 
The roads snake all through our property but I can't get lost-all I have to do is follow them and stay on their path.  They all trail fullcircle and I'll eventually end up right back at our cabin.  Although shortcuts through the woods would be a faster route, I look forward to my walks on our country roads.  I never know what I might spot around the next bend. I'm usually in no hurry and can take my time to enjoy the views. 
Following the paths along our country roads makes me think of a time when I chose a different route in life. The one I chose was a path of self-destruction.  A path that led to short-term fulfillment and what I mistakenly thought was happiness. A path of "if it feels good then do it" mentality.  A path that had me so confused that I didn't even know who I was anymore.  A path that had me going in all the wrong directions and left me too exhausted to even enjoy the view. 
And then I met HIM. He redirected me and showed me what it was like to walk on a road of safety.  He showed me what it was like to slow down, find true happiness and joy, to discover know who I was (His daughter) and to get to know Him.  1 Peter 2:21 says "Christ who suffered for you, is your example.  Follow in His steps."
Many of my friends (and even some in my family) were concerned when I decided to take a different road and follow Him.  They were comfortable knowing me just the way I was.  Why should I "rock the boat" and change a seemingly good thing? Why would I want to follow a road that, to them, seemed boring and too limiting?  Even Joshua knew people like this "but my brothers who went with me frightened the people and discouraged them from entering the Promised Land.  For my part, I followed the LORD my God completely." (Joshua 14:8) 
Like Joshua, I chose to believe His promises.  I changed the direction I was going and I followed the Lord completely.  I listened to Him calling me and never looked back. "And He called to (her) to come, too.  And (she) immediately followed Him leaving her (things) behind." (John 4:22)  And, like the two believers walking on the road to Emmaus, my eyes were opened when He told me about Himself. "Didn't our hearts feel strangely warm as He talked with us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32
I'm so grateful that He has redirected me and put me on the road I'm on.  Now I'm safe.  I belong.  I know who I am. I am His-forever.
"All those who want to be  my disciples must come and follow Me...and if they follow Me, the Father will honor them." John 12:26