A road less traveled

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

These lines from the poet put me in mind of the life and ministry of Jesus! He certainly took the road less traveled, if anyone ever has. Total commitment to the rule and purpose of God. Non-violent resistance to evil and injustice in all its forms. Solidarity with the weak, the ill, the dispossessed. Truth-telling when diplomacy seemed the better option. Self-giving as an alternative to unbridled materialism. Forgiveness in response to betrayal, torture, death.

He once noted that the road to destruction is broad, and there are many travelers on it, but the way of life is narrow, and the entry-way is small. Not many are on that road. So, like some of his original disciples, well we might wonder if anyone can really live this life, follow this narrow, less traveled way. Christ's response to us, as to them, is: 'Under your own steam, with your own resources, it's impossible. But with God, all things are possible.'

There's an old bluegrass gospel song called "The Old Crossroads." One way leads to destruction, the other to the Pearly Gates. Which one, the song asks, will we take?