Spring Turkey Season

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV). Spring means many things. One of those things is the coming of Turkey season. One of the nice things about that is that it gives me an excuse to get out in the woods again. I like to go and walk around at this time of the year. Meandering along some of the deer trails will reveal many things that I did not see during the fall and early winter season. If I go slowly enough and look carefully along the way, I may be lucky enough to find some shed antlers. Two things are important about this. First I can learn what kind of bucks survived the winter. And, second, I may learn which areas are most frequented by these bucks. It’s a fun exercise. I’m sure there are those of you who think that nothing cold be further from fun that this kind of walk. There are different kinds of walkers. Some people prefer a brisk walk through their neighborhood or at the local running track. I call that “mall-walking.” That is good exercise, but it’s way too fast for my taste. I prefer to meander, stopping to notice things along the way. Thinking about my style of walking recalled Jesus’ words in our reading today. Just as I prefer the easy road on my daily walks, many folks choose the easy road on their journey through life. But the easy road doesn't always lead to the right place. Are you traveling with those "few" on the narrow road to heaven or sailing smoothly down the expressway in the wrong direction? To those plodding along on the "deer trail," folks on the four-lane going nowhere appear to enjoy their trip more. It's quick, easy, and seemingly without pitfalls and potholes. That crowded highway seems easy and more carefree than the nature trail; but looks can be deceiving. People on the broad, easy road aren't knocked down by the "tree branches" of life and they aren't on constant vigil watching for the "spiders and snakes" of temptation that catch one unaware, but they are in grave danger of reaching the wrong destination. Though the narrow path leading to life can seem difficult, the heavenly destination is definitely worth the effort. If heaven is our goal, we must find and stay on that narrow path. To do this requires acceptance of God's Word and obeying the commands of Jesus. Some of us are making great time in the fast lane; but what good is that if we are breezing along on the wrong road, oblivious to the fact that we are headed for hell? In the Scriptures, God spelled out what He expects of us. Our road map is there. Are you following it where He wants to take you?