Having walked the same path for years, I always stopped short of the woods just west of my small town.  I wanted to explore that area, but couldn't find the courage to do so.  What if I got lost or was confronted with an unfriendly animal? 

However, one Spring day I had the feeling that it would be okay to keep moving ahead.  I had not even anticipated that feeling, but trusted my instincts and kept going.

The leaves of the majestic trees had started to unfold and the spotting of flowers seemed welcoming.  The songs from the various birds created a harmonious orchestration and tiny insects would fly by, disappearing into the enormous woody expanse.  I was in awe of the beauty of nature.  It was truly God's masterpiece.  Life was beginning anew all around me, in some fashion, and each life form was a treasure in and of itself. 

Serene in the tranquility of nature, I found myself wondering what it would be like if everyone shared peace rather than war, joy rather than fear, hope rather than despair and love rather than distance.  It's all about choices.

I was glad that I unlocked the door of my fears and journeyed forward.  Although I knew not to lose my sense of direction and kept a mindful watch for potential danger, I knew God's hand was in it.  He is always there to move us forward if we simply choose to take His hand and follow.