A PIECE OF MY HEART...Taking the narrow road

Our youngest recently got her drivers learning permit. We have been trying to let her practice her driving as much as possible around town. So far she is a pretty good driver, she is very cautious. One thing that I noticed in her driving though is that she likes to stay away from narrow lanes. She is alittle apprehensive and would rather stay in the wider lanes. One day as we were grabbing something to eat at a fast food place, she panicked as we pulled up to the take out window, the lane was too narrow and she wanted to hop out of the car and switch places with me.

Have you ever considered just how narrow the road can appear?

When I am driving, the road seems much wider than it appears than when I am the passenger, especially when riding with someone who is just learning. It is always scary when one passes over the line.

Crossing the line not only happens on the road but also in life. Many of us have crossed over the line, and have regretted it. I don't know why it is easier to travel down the wide road, instead of the narrow, but like my daughter who is learning to drive, we can learn that it is possible to stay on the narrow road...

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” -Matthew 7:13,14

Who says staying on the narrow road is impossible? Jesus believes that we can do it! He knows that finding the road to a faith-filled life is not easy, but it CAN be found. To travel the narrow road safely, we must remember some basic driving skills:

1. Adhere to the danger signs. They are present to warn us ahead of time of danger, don't ignore the signs. God places them in our lives at very intricate moments.

2. Stay alert to what is ahead. Where we find ourselves today may not be the place God intends for us to be tomorrow. We must keep an open mind and spirit as we seek Gods direction for our lives.

3. Slow down for the speed bumps. None of us like speed bumps (difficulties) in our lives, but they may just keep us from having a collision.

4. Adjust your rear view mirrors. Not only is it good to see what lies ahead, but looking behind us can also keep us focused on staying on that narrow road that Jesus speaks of.

Learning to be a good driver isn't always easy, but when we put Jesus behind the wheel, it is much easier to adhere to the laws of the road. Knowing Him and knowing what His Word says will help in steering us off of the wide road...if we stick to the plan (God's Word), the gate will not seem as small.

and this has been a piece of my heart today;