On my journey of life I have crossed the threshold of 78 years, it is a mystery to me how I have survived the different paths I chose to follow. We often reminisce on what our past holds when we reach certain points in our sojourn. Who have left the path or fallen by the wayside, what dangers and pitfalls we avoided, the choices made that were not the right ones to make and the consequences they brought us. In my personal walk I could never have imagined reaching and crossing this milestone. Growing up I would hear my elders say ” you can’t straddle the fence, you’re either a child of God or you’re not”. I was not sure exactly what they meant at that time and chalked it up to one of those old sayings old people said that didn’t make sense, at least not to me.

As a child the church was part of my up bringing, a mandatory element of my life; Sunday morning dressed in our Sunday best my siblings and I would start the walk to the little church we attended for service; Sunday school, eleven o’clock service, and evening program. I find it strange now when I look back, I wasn’t taught to read the Bible for myself; that was what the preacher did, I just listened. I heard the name Jesus, that He died to save sinners; but, had no real tangible relationship with Him and no conviction I was that sinner He died for. I knew I could pray to God and He would hear my prayers, at least that’s what the elders told me with strong convictions. After many years of self destructive behavior and walking pathways that lead to devastating consequences I had an epiphany.

There has to be something more to this life, I couldn’t continue on the path I was traveling. That was the beginning of my search for the truth, John 14:6 states Jesus said” I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me.” It was understanding the sacrifice of Jesus for this world of sinners I found real love. The love of a Father willing to give everything to show His love for a wayward child who was heading for total destruction. It was that love that shielded me as I walked on pathways that crumbled beneath my feet. It was that love that whispered in my ear a love song to sweet to resist. It was that love that wrapped me in it’s arms when the guilt of my past lay heavy on my heart. Love that forgave and cleansed me of that guilt.

To open my heart to Jesus was the start of new life, joy, and peace I couldn’t explain; I recognized it was His love that covered me as I walk the different paths of this life,even when I didn’t know Him, He still loved me. Now He leads me on a straight path and He orders my steps; I’m willing to follow where He leads. If you find you are at a crossroad in your life and not sure which path to take; try Jesus, He is ready to give you love that forgives, cleanses and is unconditional, to set your feet on a straight path. He is no respecter of persons, what He did for me He will do for you; He invites all who desire freedom from sin to come. Please don’t hesitate the time is late, the clock of time is winding down to Earth’s final days; only if you choose the gift of salvation will you be saved.

My revelation as I sit by the pool of grace