The Right Path

Years ago, I was hiking a mountain near Park City, Utah. It was late Fall, at a time when normally the mountains would be covered in snow, but due to the unusually warm weather there was only traces. I began the hike up the mountain like any other. While I had never done this hike before, I expected to see signs along the way and a clear path to follow.

When I came to the first fork in the road I saw an arrow pointing up the mountain and one pointing down. Logically, I thought up would be the way I wanted to go; last time I checked, the summit was at the top. Later, I learned that down was actually the correct path. There were also moments when there appeared to be no trail at all, just sets of footprints branching out in every direction. Eventually, I abandoned the idea that there would be a clear trail and I just kept aiming up until I eventually made it to the summit.

Once I reached the top, I was able to see the true path I was intended to walk up and all the false paths that led me astray. I still reached the top eventually, which is always something to celebrate, but I definitely did not take the best way up.

When someone blazes a trail it makes it easier to follow, even when it’s not the right way to go. As you set out to find your way, be careful what steps you’re following; just because the path has been worn down from being taken by others, doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you.