The Less Travelled Path

We have two Jack Russell Terriers, Milo and Millie who can be quite reactive to other dogs, Milo in particular, and I tend to choose the path that others are least likely to go on to limit any outbursts.

If I take the more popular path Milo will go wild when he sees another dog, which invariably sets Millie off too. They are barking and pulling and generally making a nuisance of themselves, the peace is shattered for miles around and I get anxious, hot and bothered, embarrassed and ultimately angry with them. All while trying to apologise to the other walkers whilst hanging on to two rabid creatures. Not a happy experience.

So having surveyed the land in front of me, I usually take the less used path walking three sides of a square before joining the main path rather than going straight down to it. Although further in distance it actually is easier doing this extended route as the dogs enjoy sniffing and mooching whilst I get peace and quiet listening to the skylarks singing overhead. In winter it has the added advantage of not being as muddy or slippery as it has less footfall. We all come back happy.

As I was walking them on Minchinhampton Common this morning the words "the less travelled path" came into my mind. In Jeremiah 6:16 it says: Thus says the Lord, "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls". In this verse God is telling us to search (study the scriptures) to find "the good way". If we do we will be rewarded by having rest for our souls. It is up to us to make that choice, we can either follow HIs ways or keep heading down a path that will end in misery and destruction. Keep walking the less travelled path.

As I am writing this I have the words of an old hymn going round in my head. They probably have no relationship with what I have said but they are such beautiful words I am adding them here:

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord!

Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;

tender to me the promise of his word –

in God my Saviour shall my heart rejoice.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his name!

Make known his might, the deeds his arm has done;

his mercy sure, from age to age the same –

his holy name: the Lord, the Mighty One.

Tell out, my soul, the greatness of his might!

Powers and dominions lay their glory by;

proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight,

the hungry fed, the humble lifted high.

Tell out, my soul, the glories of his word!

Firm is his promise, and his mercy sure:

tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord

to children’s children and for evermore!