Life is a series of choices—decisions that we make all the time, every day, both large and small. These threads of choices lead us down our life path, our jour- ney. We will follow one of two distinct paths: One path will be easier because it won’t require much in the way of hard changes. It’ll let us keep doing exactly what we’re already doing and what we like to do, whether it’s good for us or not. This means we get to stay within our comfort zone—keeping to our usual lifestyles and habits and focusing on ourselves. The other path will mean going deep inside ourselves, listening to God, and shifting the focus of our hearts to align with His. It’ll mean making some harder decisions that won’t always be understood by those around us, decisions that go against today’s culture. The first path chooses the world with its comforts, conveniences, and temporary good feelings. The second chooses Jesus, which involves our being truly transformed from the inside out by following Him and becoming like Him. It can be tempting to do what’s easiest and requires the least resistance. On that path, you don’t have to work at anything new. You don’t have to change. You can do what everyone else is doing. But the genuine Christian life is “the road less traveled.” It is seen as the harder path because it requires giving up your own plans and making decisions with eternity instead of just today in mind. However, the hardship on this path is only momentary discomfort in the face of the wonderful things to come: an eternity with Jesus, being held in God’s hands, and knowing that you are never alone. That journey is well worth it!

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

In what ways do you find yourself sticking to your comfort zone, even though it may not be the best place for you?

What big choices have you made in your life that have greatly affected its course?

What little decisions do you make each day that you think matter the most?