The flakes of snow sifted through the white pine tree needles as we entered the forest. Snow lay heavy on the branches. The wind occasionally dislodged snow from its perch and it fell in a puffy avalanche. The response of our two granddaughters, ages 5 and 8, was joyous squeals. “Snowballs from heaven,” as I called them, plopped on their hooded heads. Soon their laughter was swallowed up in the silent stillness of the late winter wonderland that stretched out before us. Snow absorbs sound so quickly. With our snow shoes firmly fastened, we began plowing through the powdery snow to enjoy a unique look at God’s creation. The only thing we heard was the squeaking sound of snow compacting under our snowshoes.
The girls in their pastel snow suites insisted on leading the way. They were proudly “breaking trail” for Gandpop and Grandmom making it a little easier on the “old folks.” You must understand that when you snowshoe you really do not walk on top of the snow. You simply pack the snow under your broad shoes as you sink into the snow pack until the snow is able to support your distributed weight. Then you lift your snowshoe almost straight up out of the snow to make another step. Thus it is easier to snowshoe on a "packed" trail rather than a new one. The task of "breaking trail" is exhausting, especially when you are 5 and 8 years old. At that age there is no geometric theorem that says the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Their path in the woods meandered all through the trees as they explored wildlife tracks and other snow-covered mysteries. We were not far into the woods when their energy began to wane and their short little legs grew tired of “breaking trail.”
Soon two little voices tinged with a bit of whining breathlessly said, “We’re tired. Can’t you go in front?” Their energy was sapped and their enthusiasm had been evaporated by tired legs. Now they were willing to be led rather than lead. Soon Gandpop was out in front “breaking trail.” They were content with the path I made rather than making one for themselves. I led them to places in the woods to show them things that their inexperienced eyes would have missed.
At one point Gandmom decided that it would be better for the girls to stay on more level terrain. So she began to break another trail more appropriate for the legs of 5 and 8 year olds. The girls followed Grandmom without hesitation perhaps knowing my reputation for turning a short hike into a marathon march. As I continued on my trail, I could hear joyous squeals in the distance as we grew further apart. Grandmom’s path sounded like it was fun. My path… well let’s say it was becoming more an endurance exercise rather than an enjoyable stroll. When I came across fresh bear tracks, I thought Grandmom’s trail might be the better one to take and my excursion ended. I thought to myself, “I guess there are early risers even among the bear population!”
I learned something from this day in the woods. First, it is easier to let someone who has more strength and wisdom to “break trail.” Think of this reality in the spiritual realm. We assume that we can make our own path in the world without God and His leading. We can. However, is this the wisest thing to do? In doing so are we only asking for trouble? The Psalmist thought about that and wrote, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long… He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:4, 5, 9). God is stronger and wiser. He can “break trail” in life much better than I can.
A second discovery I made is that paths we choose can lead to the unexpected. Our wisdom is so limited as human beings. When I took my trail, I did not expect to encounter fresh bear tracks in February in the middle of a snow storm. I did not expect that the course over the hilly terrain I chose would be so exhausting. I had minimized risk and maximized capabilities. How foolish. I often do the same thing in life. I do not consider the path God is setting before me and I rely on my own wisdom. Solomon, one of the wisest of all men said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5-7). Sadly, later in his life it appears he forgot that principle.
I am grateful that God is willing to “break trail” for me. The Psalmist said, “You have made know to me the path of life” (16:11). What I must consider is whether or not I am following that trail or choosing to forge my own way. A walk in the woods on a snowy day let me reflect on how I needed to live life. You don’t have to wait for a snowy day to do some reflection. A “walk” in the Word of God can produce the same results – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Let God “break trail” for you. You will find life much more manageable.
