Straight Paths

For as a child I know not what our Father is doing.
I happily skip upon roads and Father holds my hand so that I do not trip over raised patches, fall into cracks or twist my ankle on potholes. Every step and a small crack is in the road but I do not notice. I am but a child. I only see the joys of life and only believe and trust in our Father completely. How joyous life is! For I do not worry about where my food would come from or where my clothes would come from. I worry not about a single thing! For He provides it all! He lifts me on His shoulders and I shout with glee but I did not know that He lifted me up to keep me safe from the giant dip in the road.
“Can we go home now? And maybe get some ice cream along the way?”
I gaze happily at Father’s face and He smiles.
“Of course. Anytime.”
So I go home and rejoice in my ice cream cone.
The next day I was hoping we’d go down the road again, maybe to the park, or the beach. But then I came and saw Father tearing up the road. There was rubble and destruction and it was so loud!
“Why? What are you doing Father? I don’t understand!” I wail and cry because the road is gone. How would I go to the park now? Or the beach?  It’s so noisy and there’s the smell of burning asphalt and dirt filled the air.
Father came and held me while I sobbed.
“Trust me. Wait for me. Go home and rest.”
I nod and turn back home sadly. I don’t know what’s happening! Then the next morning I awake and go to the road to find Father. Two hands covered my eyes. I laugh and pull them off and turn to see Father.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.” He says.
He turns me around and gestures to the road. It was smooth and straight and beautiful. There was no more cracks or potholes or dips. I never noticed how much I was suffering until it has been taken away. My Father delivered me from the dangers I knew not or seen not.
“Sometimes you don’t always understand, but I will make your paths straight.”
I jump gleefully and skip ahead. Father lets go of my hand and lets me run freely on smooth paths. He walks with me, his eyes never turning away.
“Do you trust me now?” Says the Lord.
“Of course!” I spin around and can see the beach ahead. “Can we go have fun at the beach?”
“Stay close to me my child. Promise you won’t wander to far? And will you listen to my voice when I call you away from danger?”
“Of course!” I responded.
O People, Children of the living God! There are things our Father does that we do not understand. Many times it’s noisy and it feels like our world is crashing down. But trust in Him completely. Like a child trusts their parents. Then when He has made our paths straight He’ll let us rejoice in delight. But hold on to His Hand and don’t wander too far or danger would sweep us away! When He calls, listen O child! Listen! For as a parent want only what’s best for their child, so Our Father wants only what’s best for us! Trust Him! Trust Him!