Detours of Rebellion

"You will show me the path of life!

In Your presence is fullness of joy,

At your right hand, pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

On my journey to good health and weight loss, I have not been perfect. This is my 24th day without sugar, but that doesn't mean that I always make good choices with food. It is a journey, not a destination, so I remember God's grace and I keep trying, enjoying the little rewards along the way.

I was talking to my friend Lynne about my occasional bad choices and she said to me, "Robbie, they're just detours. You're going to get there, but you have to decide how many detours you want to take."

I started thinking about that and I wrote the following:

You've shown me the path,
     an inkling of beautiful adventures.
Joyful flowers mark the sides of the road.
     They stand with angels to cheer me on.

But yet...
     I see a detour.
It's marked with a sign that says "My Way."
     Weeds of control line its street.
They do exactly waht I say.

Why do I take the detours?
Temporary control.
Temporary numbness.

I get so tired of choosing Your way.
Choosing humility.
Walking in my brokenness.

But Your path leads to my goal.
Your path is wise
                      and healthy
                                and joyful.
My path is numbing
                      and shame-filled
                                and leads to death.

My path is a detour of rebellion.

God, protect me from myself today.
Keep me on your path.