I have walked these paths hundreds of times, yet each day and every view can seem fresh and new. One day my eyes fell on a concrete structure down off the path I had never noticed. Curiosity pulled my feet off the path and soon I was maneuvering through tall weeds just to peer over the edge. What looked like a well at first glance was simply a drain for a low swampy area.
Back home, I noticed that my clothes were bunched all over, stuck together with dozens of burrs the size of lentils. These clever things had effortlessly, yet magnificently, fastened themselves to my clothes as I walked by—in a matter of moments. It took a lot of time and effort, however, to remove the little buggers, all for a peek at some mud and discarded water bottles.
What seems to be a whim or innocent notion can often end up a serious departure from my clear and purposeful course. Odd little hitchhikers are the least of it. I can get hung up on all kinds of things–daydreams, wild goose chases, petty clashes with others, petty pouting parties with myself and the inexhaustible current of distractions from my electronics. What looks like the promise of a wellspring of quenching waters can become a sludge of trash, not at all intended by God for my consumption. Jesus set me free. I must be faithful to choose to be free indeed.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Meeting God at the Park 