When I hear the word route, my mind drifts back to Robert Frost and the traveler standing before two roads. His poem has stayed with me for years because life really is a series of choices, each one leading somewhere.
But over time, I’ve begun to picture my route a little differently.
Instead of a road stretching into the distance, I see a tree.
It begins as a tiny sapling. There are no branches yet—only possibilities. Then life happens. One decision leads to another. A new branch grows. From that branch come more branches, each representing another opportunity to trust, obey, wait, serve, forgive, or begin again.
Not every branch survives. Some are broken by storms. Others are lost during difficult winters. A few bear scars from lightning strikes or the weight of life’s unexpected burdens. Yet the tree continues to grow because its roots reach deep beneath the surface.
Looking back, I realize many of my own choices have led me down what Frost called “The Road Less Traveled.” They weren’t always the easiest routes, but they were often the places where God did His deepest work.
Our route isn’t determined by one monumental decision. It’s shaped by thousands of small ones made day after day. Each “yes” to God’s leading becomes another branch in the story He is growing.
Today I find myself less concerned about whether the road is popular and more concerned about whether it is the one Christ is asking me to follow.
After all, the safest route isn’t always the easiest one. It’s the one that leads us closer to Him.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
The image is unforgettable. Yet I’m grateful that God doesn’t simply point toward a road and wish me well. He promises to walk every step of the journey with me.
Perhaps Robert Frost was right. One road can make all the difference, but I’ve learned that it isn’t the road itself that changes us.
It’s the One who walks beside us.
Lord, keep my feet on Your path and my heart rooted deeply in You.
I am joining a great group of Christian writers at 5-Minute Friday. We write for 5 minutes each Friday (sometimes longer). You can share your blog here https://fiveminutefriday.com/2026/07/02/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-outcome/
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Makes me think of Elijah’s “one small rain cloud” on the horizon. Barely detectable, but the rain was on the way. Sometimes in the middle of trouble and struggle, it can seem like nothing is happening and the end is almost impossible to see. I have to always remind myself that the ‘still small voice’ that changes everything is always on the way. 🤗
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That’s a great way to look at all of our challenges. The”still small voice” is never far away. Blesssing to you! Marie
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” I’m grateful that God doesn’t simply point toward a road and wish me well. He promises to walk every step of the journey with me.” Amen Marie!
Visiting from Joanne’s today.
You’re most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer any time.
blessings, Jennifer
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Thank you, Jennifer. I’ve popped over to you site, read a couple of things (well written), followed. Blessings and success to you! Marie
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Thank you Marie! 😊
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Marie, this was beautiful and most encouraging to read. And you are so right, it isn’t the route but the One who walks with us who makes all the difference. I am grateful you shared your post!
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My pleasure Joanne! It’s good to be writing again. I am delighted to have another sister to share with. Blessings and success to you! Marie
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A good reminder to reflect upon the choices we are making and how they affect us.
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Robert Frost is one of my favorite poets. I love it when a poem points to a Biblical concept. Blessings and success to you! Marie
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So beautifully spoken Marie. I love that verse from Isaiah.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
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It is my pleasure Paula, I love exploring the sights of the many others who post on your blog-hop. Blessings and success to you! Marie
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Amen! Thank you for your words of wisdom. Have a blessed week! FMF3
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My pleasure!
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
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I like the way you pictured a tree as a route, and also your statement about a route being determined by thousands of little decisions as opposed to one big one. Good food for thought.
P.S. Great photo of you and your beautiful cat who seems to be pondering right along with you.
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My husband commented that this picture really looks like me.
The cat is Chewy and if he’s not on my desk one of the others is. I have two more.
Take care!
Marie
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