The Road Less Traveled

On Sunday, my friend, Debbie, and I set out to encounter the splendor of fall. We drove for almost five hours on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The company was amazing, and the leaves were beautiful.

One of the first thoughts that came to my mind as we drove was that I needed to write about the road less traveled. So, with this thought in mind, I set out to find the perfect picture of "the road less traveled" . It is not completely unused nor is it a dead end. When traveling along this road, you must be careful. There are many bumps and some large pot holes. The scenery is awe-inspiring and the encounters can take your breath away. It is a path that not many can sympathize with nor can they say that they have had that kind of joy and triumph.

I have experienced great joy and tremendous sorrow on this road. My husband and I have parented 19 children on this road. (No, not all at once) I have loved much and seen the fingerprints of God all over our lives! Sometimes it has only been after an intense and trying time that I can see the work of God in our lives, but I know that He is there. I know that He is in control. He is loving all of us through our hurts and celebrating with us in our great victories.

At this time the road seems unknown and even frightful. The beauty is all around, but there are huge unknowns around the next bend. We finally heard the ruling from the judge yesterday. The judge has ordered that DSS begin termination on all parental rights. Amazing! What sweet grace those words were to my heart! He also ordered that a homestudy be done on the maternal grandfather of the girls. My heart stopped at those words. Why would he order that?

So, now is when I must remind myself that God is in control. With all of the unknowns looming around the next bend, I need to remind myself that He is still God. While the worst may be yet to come...He has a plan for each of our lives. Before we were formed in our mother's womb, God had a plan.

At times like this so many sweet hymns and even a few newer songs seem to play continuously in my mind. Songs of trust, surrender, mercy, faith and grace remind me that my Redeemer lives. He has not forgotten or overlooked me or my family. This is not an accident or a surprise. So, I will keep my eyes on my Lord. My Anchor holds!