Me: *Draws a straight, perfect line*

Me to God: “There we go. This is my life plan, a straight path.”

God: “You do realize that most paths wind around different objects and obstacles, like mountains, trees and other landmarks…”

Me: “But how can I see the end goal—how can I follow the path where I cannot see where I’m going—like a straight path would allow? Also, if there are many turns and bumps in the road, how can I keep-up my speed…and what happens if there is a fork in the road⁈”

God: “Just begin at the path and take a step forward. Do not presume or worry about what may be around the next curve, for I am with you. I am with you the moment you take a step—till the end—where we will meet face to face…then into eternity. There will be bumps in the road, warnings of loose rocks, forks along the path—but that’s what life is. Life will have its difficulties—but you have Me. I can guide your steps, help you over those ‘bumps in the road,’ shield you from the falling rocks and help you determine which way to go when multiple paths come before you.”

Me: “Sometimes, I wish you’d just fly my family and me on a private jet to heaven and forget this curvaceous—annoying path.”

God: “You do realize that planes and jets have a path set for them too…and there are storms and turbulence in the sky, just as below.”

Me: “…but You would be the captain and tell the skies to be still…”

God: “Yes, either I would calm the skies or help you to fly through them and guide your landing. It is not the path but your perception of it. If you look at the trial in your path, you can either be overcome by it or be an overcomer.”

Me: “Okay, is there a ‘fast-pass’ for this said trial?”

God: “Maybe the trial is a part of the refining…”

Me: “I feel pretty refined already—if I were a rock that was being sanded down—I would be a speck. Although, I admit that I do know of others who have had more tribulations—worse ones at that—and some seem to even be smiling through it.”

God: “It’s their perception of their circumstances. Some see their trials as just a small detour on the journey of a greater destination.”

Me: “How do I acquire perception like theirs?”

God: “You focus on Me. You see, you have been focusing on the undulating path and what could go wrong, instead of turning your eyes on Me. You didn’t give Me a chance to bless you through it for I give you My peace. Think of the times when trials have come your way…what were you focusing on when you were most stressed?”

Me: “I focused on the issue and how it could be handled or should’ve been handled. At that time, I couldn’t hear Your voice.”

God: “You didn’t seek Me first in your trial.”

Me: “I tried, but had to move on in life.”

God: “And you continued to try handling it on your own…”

Me: “A burden I never want to bear again…”

God: “A burden you were never meant to have. So you see, the trials you’ve tried dealing with—were on your own. Don’t be afraid based on your past experiences—it is time to live.”