Big changes appear to be coming to our country, but what about you and I? It’s the morning of New Year’s Eve as I begin putting words to my thoughts, a day in which many people consider a word called “change”. Hopefully, they are serious and not intoxicated. If the latter, then serious change is probably needed, but whatever the resolution is, not likely to succeed.

I’ve always been impressed with the potential of a chosen path. When I was young we led a youth group called, “PATHFINDERS”. It was a labor of love. And when I talk about the power of the path, what I mean is there are certain things that go with every chosen path. We could call them the “Disciplines of the Path” or the “Practices of the Path”. What I’m saying is, before you choose your change, whatever that may be, consider what that path brings to the table. You will only succeed if you embrace and begin practicing the “tools” of that path. And if you don’t, then you’re already off the path! (Duh?)

Example: You hate your meaningless job. You decide you can do better. It’s time to make a change! What’s it going to be? You’ve always loved helping people. You decide it must be some sort of a social worker, or perhaps a political career? Okay, now, what are the disciplines of that path? Do you need more education? Will you need a job that allows you the freedom to pursue the education while also paying your bills? What does this mean? What are the disciplines of the path that can empower you? What are your circumstances that must somehow become this path? Is there someone doing life with you that will be affected? Is it a good fit?

Certainly becoming a social worker can be a great thing. It can also be a life of sacrifices. But if you embrace such a vision, just think how fulfilling life could be? This is the power of the path. If we study what each path “requires”, we can make a wise choice leading to our greater good, a more honorable and meaningful life. The disciplines of that path will literally lift us, grow us to becoming the better person. Personal growth in every way, if we choose wisely and embrace the disciplines of the path.

If our resolution is that we simply want to be filthy rich. Well…the disciplines of that path can be some pretty nasty and heartless stuff. Are you sure you want to be that person? If so, for what purpose? Is it to help others or simply satisfy your own cravings? Such a path as the latter usually ends in sad ways. Not a path I have ever truly considered for more than a second or two.

On that subject of my own path. I’m 69 now. If I have not found my path by now, I’d say I’ve wasted most of my life. I would still encourage making the change, but obviously, your time is running out. So, for me it’s not about a change of path, it’s about what kind of change could I make to live this same path BETTER. Like can I be a better, more Christlike Christian? What discipline of my chosen path could I do a better job implementing?

You see, EVERY path has certain disciplines. If you have not given thought as to what those requirements, sacrifices, habits, may be; then you’re likely in for a shock! That is when most New Year’s resolutions suddenly seem to fall apart. We failed to give our dream a reality test before we opened our mouth with grand words we don’t really mean. But if you are real…then welcome to the “Power of the Path”! For there is real power there, and it can help lift you to higher places! You can become what that path leads to. Put your feet to the path and start walking! For real!

Every path has a destination. A good path leads to a good place, a worthy life, something worth sacrificing for. A bad path leads to nothing but sadness, depression, loneliness, destruction. No place we want to be. Why did we go down such a path? Why did we refuse to embrace the disciplines and wisdom of a good path? And what do we do now? More of the same? Or finally make a wise change with true effort. Change. Implement the disciplines of a good path.

I cannot recommend following Christ, the Good Shepherd, highly enough. He knows all the good and excellent paths, and He knows the best path for you, the path He created you for and is calling you to. He put the “right stuff” in you for that path. You can excel there with His help. I have my path and you have yours. May we all find ours, and be faithful to the power of our path through the callings of our Lord. Amen!

The year 2025? What does it mean for you? More of the same? A huge change? May we all be wise in our choices for the benefit of all those we love around us. There is no such thing as “what I’m doing only hurts me.” No. That’s a lie. It doesn’t work that way. What we choose to do always affects others whether to their good or bad. Every action has it’s rippling effect. Cause and effect. It’s the way this creation is designed. It proves God’s Word true every day. Imagine that. God created something proving His Word true, whether we like it or not. I think if I were God and I wanted to create something, I would be wise to do the same thing. And God said, “It is good.”