This is a photo I took while on a hike by myself after we first moved to East Tn.

These are two path pieces that I happen to love. I took the photo and painted the piece because to me the path symbolizes life, the road we all travel. However, the view isn’t always so picturesque. Sometimes we encounter obstacles; mountains to climb; things in the way to climb or step over, like fallen branches or trees; a flooded path that causes us to be re-routed; snakes or critters that startle or frighten us; damaged bridges that we need to navigate; and roots or rocks that cause us to trip or stumble. Sometimes we come to a fork in the road or path that makes us make choices we never thought we would have to make. Do we let these things cause us to skip the adventure or to cause us to refuse to “do life”? Well yea, sometimes, but most of the time we just head out prepared and willing to adjust and to adapt, remembering to stay alert along the way. It is always great to have a map or an app that lets us know where we are and where we are headed. It’s even better when we have a guide, someone who’s been there before, someone willing to answer our questions along the way. It’s also fun to go in groups instead of always heading out alone because who knows when we may just need a little help.

So, that is why I always take pictures or paint paths—as reminders (especially of God’s faithfulness along my path). Below are just a few more from my collection.