When the Path Isn’t What You Expected

In June, our family vacationed in northern Wisconsin for a week. It was beautiful country, and we enjoyed a couple of fun hikes on one of the days we were out. Well, maybe “fun” is a relative term. In the beginning I was excited about the prospect of seeing the waterfall that was supposed to be only a short walk away. I would say I am fairly active, but once we started down the seemingly easy path, the road got a little rocky.

I could feel my spirit starting to grumble.

It wasn’t supposed to be a difficult hike, I really didn’t want to have to work hard to get to the destination. So much for enjoying the journey huh?!

Then I came across this sign as we headed down the steepest part of the path.

I am a person who often gives up when things get too hard and I considered it for a brief moment, but then decided the allure of the waterfall was enough to keep me going.

I kept along the path, my boys far ahead of me, and I thought about how much this path was like my dreaming journey.

When I started to uncover what I thought my God-sized Dream was, I believed that because I was excited and ambitious to move ahead, the road would be smooth sailing. I walked along seeing the beauty all around me and I felt joy at the discovery of God’s plans for me.

It is easy to be grateful and full of joy when things seem to go your way, isn’t it? I have always said that one of my biggest struggles is trusting God and finding happiness when life gets tough.

Because if you have been on this dreaming journey for any length of time, you have likely run into some unfavorable territory.

Maybe it is a roadblock, or a complete capsize of your dream. Maybe it is a closed door or even a no, not now. The longer I have been a part of this team, and read your beautiful stories, the more I am convinced that we are going to face disappointment and hardship at some point.

We will face an uphill climb; the journey will be less desirable than we had hoped. But that doesn’t mean we should give up and turn around! Some of my biggest regrets are those times that I gave up too soon. I wasn’t willing to stick out the hard to find the beauty that was around the corner. Or, I grumbled my way through it all and failed to stop and see that there are blessings along the way.

Throughout my time here, I have been so overwhelmed at the detailed way my God loves me.

When I started this journey I hoped for a platform (yes, ashamedly it’s true) and maybe a book deal. I thought I knew what God had in store for me and was a little shocked when things didn’t go as expected.

Because of you, my sweet dreamer sisters, I have found encouragement, prayer, cheers and laughter.

I have walked through dark times and known, without a doubt, that you were praying me through. I have made life-long friendships that I wasn’t aware I so desperately needed. I gained confidence in who I am in Christ, book deal or no.

My road hasn’t been as I anticipated when I started, but the beauty that has unfolded along the way is unforgettable.

And if I could do it all over again? Well I know it sounds a bit cliche, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Thank you for being a part of my story. I consider you each a gift and am praying that wherever you find yourself on the journey today, you will know without a doubt that you are not alone!

 

Shared by: Kristin Smith