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Path of Least Resitance

Dec 29, 2007 ramblings

Ever notice how water makes its way to the lowest possible point and finds a way to keep going? It’ll seep through air pockets leaving behind what may amount to just a trace of moisture, but it’s still water finding its way. Light, too, makes its way through cracks, though not dependent on gravity for a path of least resistance. Light can make it through a pinhole, and is visible when enough darkness surrounds the entry point. Both water and light are keys to human existence.

Among the many powers of light are that it can show us the right path to take, provide warmth, and reveal imperfections and potential dangers in our surrounding. Have you ever taken a walk through the woods on a moonlit night? Sure, it’s scary, but imagine trying to do so without the aid of the moonlight. As light peers through a thick wood it creates shadows in open areas suggesting pathways, but can’t reveal the “big picture” of the landscape until more space allows the light to flow freely.

In the context of my spirituality, it’s the light of truth that shows me who and what I really am. Without it I’m left to my own devices to figure things out in a maze of self-sufficiency. Obviously, there are many sources of “self help”, most of which come at fairly substantial costs, to try when I’m feeling like I can’t find answers of my own strength. Everyone has an opinion to share, there are many herbs and concoctions for this and for that, and I can easily fool myself into thinking the answer is in the next approach I take toward creating a “better me”. There is no easy answer or silver bullet for me. I struggle with my faith, but my conviction is such that I know swimming upstream against the current of the secular-progressive mindset is the only way to go for me.

Worldly distractions do well in keeping me from seeing the big picture. They are the forest that turns the moonlight into shadowy glimpses of true inspiration. Striving toward materialistic accomplishments spends my energies and mindless use of leisure time fills my tank with unfruitful desires and goals.

Where do I go, where do I turn?

First, I need to get to the lowest place where the water can find me. When I’m constantly perched on the pedestal of my pride the water doesn’t find its way to me. I get thirsty, and stay thirsty until I humble myself and acknowledge my need for living water. It’s there in abundance, inviting me to drink. Next, I need to evaluate my environment and surroundings and make required changes to ensure I’m exposed to the light that enables me to grow in my knowledge of and desire for the Word of God. I just need to take the path of least resistance to the open fields of grace God grows and nurtures for each and every heart that believes.

Tags: faith, light, resistance, water