Sometimes your path is clearly delineated. You know what you have to do. You know where you have to go.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

• It’s a hard climb.
• There’s no stopping in the middle–you’re committed.
• There may be people ahead and behind you–no way out.
• There’s lots to see, and it’s hard to stay focused.
• Your muscles cramp up, you knees cry for a softer surface to crawl on, and you wish you could stand up and walk. But you have to crawl.

So you persevere.

Pray for a helping hand.

Pray for a willing heart.

Pray for strength, energy, and endurance.

And keep on moving.

These were my thoughts as I watched my granddaughters scramble through maze after maze at The City Museum in St. Louis this week.

There was a time I would be right up there with them, but I found myself only entering spaces and trails where I was sure I wouldn’t get stuck, wouldn’t have to crawl, wouldn’t be uncomfortable.

Was I really incapable physically? Really? To be honest, the answer is I could have done it (and paid the price with aches the next day). But I wasn’t willing to extend that much effort and risk getting stuck, looking silly, or something. Instead I went through a few easy spaces and cheered on others.

It occurs to me that it is easy to do the same thing spiritually. Am I willing to listen to God’s voice, ask for him to lead me, and be willing to head out on a path when I’m not sure I won’t get stuck, or feel pain, or have to work harder than I really want to?

Lead me into adventure, Lord, and give me the faith of a child. Let me play in the fields of the Lord.

Originally published in June 2013