I was led out by hope
My dreams were tall, my faith robust
I came out robed in great expectations
My zeal unfazed by twists and turns
My joy undimmed by knocks and kicks
Determined, I marched, I ran, untiring
Until out of nowhere, hit by the end
I summed all my labor a waste
And what was left as no good
Until I realized the end of one road
Is but the beginning of a new road.

I wrote this article some years back. On that fateful day, I opened my mail in high spirit and next I knew, I was plunking down the pit. In my inbox was sitting a bullet that made straight for my heart. I was struck, wings clipped. I was down and wounded, bleeding inside though looking well externally as another end mocked all my sacrifices, a very unpleasant one at that. I had to get myself together. I had to gather the lessons, I had to get up and move on. It was either those or remain where I was felled and I chose the former. In the process I learned, every end carries the seed of a new beginning. Some of the lessons I learned from that encounter are as follows;

• We all are journey men, going somewhere
• You need an escort who is capable, reliable and dependable – God is an ever present help….
• You need a road map, God’s Word and Spirit will guide our steps if we are willing to follow
• None of us is perfect so whenever you miss it, quickly forgive yourself and those involved: carrying over offense hurts and hinders us more than it does the other party
• If you fail, get up, clean up and keep moving. Don’t ever give up!
• The road could be rough but he who has hope, sees beyond the struggles and troubles
• You don’t have all the details, don’t worry about the future you know not, take the step you know, take it one step at a time
• You don’t have the entire picture, rely on the escort (God) and the map (His Word)
• Continuously examine yourself to ascertain that you are still on the right path
• Be patient with the bumps, courageous to stop whenever you discover that you have strayed into the wrong lane , and committed to return to the right path that leads to your destination
• Don’t think it is better to continue anyway because the wrong way takes nobody nowhere
• Don’t ever think you have gone too far to change. It is never too late, besides it is better to be late than to never try at all
• Don’t worry if you have to start all over again: worry does nothing but you can accomplish a lot if you can start right away: with God on your side, all things are possible.
• Life is an adventure, live it the best you can and leave the rest to God
• If your target is His purpose, He will lead out of dilemma into the place of peace.
• No matter how long it takes, no matter how rough the ride, you will get there somehow, sometime
• God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound….
• As you cooperate, God will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you
• Choose continually not to worry, rest your trust in God and let His peace preserve your heart as you dare to pray, “Not my will but Yours be done, o God!”
• When faith faints and fear hounds, keep hope alive by immersing yourself in the Word of God: there is no greater shield!
• In a few weeks, months, years, you will look back and smile: some disappointments are but blessings disguised.
• The end of one road is only the beginning of the next road so don’t you give up.

Whatever comes or goes, enjoy a peaceful week, God is in control 🙂

Glory!