The following is part of a book I would like to publish someday. It’s too long to blog as one post so I’m breaking it up section by section. Each section can be read as a stand-alone, and hopefully my analogies will provide food for thought as well as encouragement to keep on going no matter where you find yourself in life. Oh, and all photos were taken by me and are untouched other than cropping when necessary. God’s creation is so awesome just the way it is!
The Path
There are many kinds of paths to the beach. Some are straight and you can see where you are heading.
Some are curved and you have to trust that it will actually take you where you want to go.
Some require some climbing.
Sometimes it seems the path goes on forever and the journey is just not worth it. And some even make you feel you’re heading in the wrong direction.
Sometimes, in the sun, it can get hot and painful to walk on. And if I’m not careful, I might even get a splinter or two.
But if I look carefully, I can see that I’m not the only one travelling this path.
Knowing others have gone this way and made it to the end (I know because there are no skeletons along the way) reassures me that I can too. And keeping my thoughts on the goal – the water – helps me stay motivated to keep walking.
The same is true in life. Sometimes our path in life is straightforward, other times it seems to curve in unexpected directions. Sometimes circumstances make our days seem long and hard and painful and we think they will never end. But remembering that we are not alone, that others have faced the same struggles we are facing and have gotten past them, can encourage us. Just like them, we can survive this and eventually get to a better place somewhere up ahead if we just keep walking. And keeping our focus on the goal – the Living Water – makes all the difference in the world!
I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Amazing God Stories 
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 8: Out of Place – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 7: Puffer Fish – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 6: Surprises – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 5: Sky – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 4: Waves – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 3: Water – Amazing God Stories
Pingback: Life is Like a Beach, section 2: Red Flags – Amazing God Stories
This is such a lovely blog post, Linda and I encourage you to keep writing them because they have a great message within them.
I like when you said, “But if I look carefully, I can see that I’m not the only one travelling this path.” Even though we may through ourselves a “pity-party”; we are not the only ones traveling on the path.
Great quote, Linda:
“Sometimes our path in life is straightforward, other times it seems to curve in unexpected directions. Sometimes circumstances make our days seem long and hard and painful and we think they will never end. But remembering that we are not alone, that others have faced the same struggles we are facing and have gotten past them, can encourage us. “
LikeLiked by 1 person
That quote was for me too, lol. I’ve always loved throwing pity parties, but am now working with Jesus to get rid of those. Thank you for taking the time to write such an encouraging comment. I hope the rest of this series is as meaningful. There’s at least 8 more! 🙂
LikeLike
Amen! I so identify with this. Thank you so much for these encouraging and reassuring words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Sue!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, BTW, I nominated you for the 3 Day Quote Challenge. I see you have done this before, but maybe you would like to do it again. I nominated you because of your love for Jesus and for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
https://runwithit.blog/2018/06/08/3-day-quote-challenge-day-2/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sue! Knowing the love of Jesus is showing through my blogs is the best news I’ve had today! I’ll get right on those quotes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and God bless you. Glad you are encouraged.
LikeLiked by 1 person