If we’re honest, sometimes the path we find ourselves walking on is a far cry from what we had in mind. Our hopes for something bigger, better, brighter seem out of reach. We never expected to find ourselves here, and yet, here we are.
I was Voxing with a friend this past week. We are both in similar circumstances, wondering where the path we’re currently on might take us.
Doubts often surface: Surely this is not what He had planned for me? Disappointment sets in: I thought we would be farther along then we are right now. Distrust rears its nasty head: How can I trust when it seems You have led me here?
In our conversation I was reminded of something I stumbled upon years ago. One of my favorite artists and writers is Lilias Trotter. Part of my draw to her life is her connection to Oxford, where we lived for several years. Lilias’ art is tucked away in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, visible only by request.
Lilias’ friendship with John Ruskin also caught my attention. Ruskin, who Tim introduced me to while he was studying beauty in the works of C.S. Lewis, became a prominent figure in our home when we lived in England.
We contemplated his art, words, and philosophy on a regular basis. Ruskin became the leading English art critic of the Victorian era, and was himself an amazing watercolourist. So when I read that Lilias’ artistic talent led to a friendship with Ruskin, my ears perked up. This was a woman I wanted to know more about.
Possessing a rare artistic talent only skimmed the surface of this woman. The beauty of her words and life captivated me.
Lilias, a well-born daughter of a distinguished London family, forsook the path of fame in light of mission work to Algeria. She had every opportunity to become one of England’s most notorious artists, however, she rejected Ruskin’s offer and pursued a life of foreign missions.
She knew the beauty of a humble path.
There are few and far between today who pursue the obscure. Who choose to remain hidden in the face of fame.
We have forgotten the narrow road, and instead choose paths that lead to status, prominence, and elitism.
Fascinated by the artistry and words of this woman, I watched a documentary of her life, Many Beautiful Things. Scored by the talented Sleeping At Last, tears and conviction flooded my spirit as I observed a life that was poured out for the greater thing.
There was no doubt that she knew the path the Lord had her on. Forsaking fame, embracing humility, surrendering all.
There was one line in the documentary, penned by Lilias herself, that reverberated in my mind long after the documentary ended:
“You can never tell to what untold glories a little humble path may lead if you follow far enough.”
You can never tell what glory may lay ahead on the path you are on: if you just follow it far enough.
Sometimes I don’t like the path laid out before me. It does not glisten enough. Instead, the more spectacular road entices. I fight and refuse to surrender, not wanting to walk what I consider a “humble path”. And, yet, the Savior leads me on. Beckoning me to follow, to choose what appears as nothing:
“ But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
~I Cor. 1:27-29
To bring to nothing things that are. Things that are, are not always what they seem to be. Things that are not, are often what He chooses.
How many paths have I traveled, that I would not have chosen to walk if the choice was up to me? Perhaps they appeared too humble, too small, too trite compared to the road more traveled, more noticed.
How many times have I veered off the path, only to miss the untold glory just beyond the bend?
Untold glories await those whose feet choose the narrow path, the humble path, the path less traveled. If we will only follow far enough—remain faithful, steadfast in our resolve, and not give up.
We have a Guide who walks with us every step of the way. He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.
Whatever little humble path He has you on, untold glories await ... wait for it.
Are you, &/or yours, okay? There have not been new posts in awhile and I have wondered about and prayed for you all.