Path of Least Resistance

In physics, the path of least resistance is a rule that describes the movement of objects through a system.  We know this intuitively in that, water tends to want to travel downhill not uphill and electricity flows through a circut in a path where the resistance is the least.  I behave a lot like that most of the time - trying to find a path of least resistance - and I miss out on so much.

Our culture seems to define what is right or what is good synonomously with what is easy.  The idea that the path of least resistance is the best path for us to take simply misses the point of the journey altogether.  When I look back on the times in my life that have been richest, and most full of life - the ones where I have grown and been challenged, I notice that resistance has been an active participant every step along the way.  Resistance is critical to growth.  Anybody who strives to be in shape realizes this because our muscles are developed through overcoming resistance.  However, a longing exists inside of me to rest, to cease striving, to simply be.  My longing can be satisfied momentarily through a day off, a vacation, time with family or friends, or a chance to pursue a passion.  In the end though, the feeling keeps coming back manifesting iteself in statements like, "I'm exhausted", "I need a break", or simply, "I'm done,"  The true source of the longing is for not just a reprieve, but a cure.  The longing points towards a reality in heaven where everything but existing in the presence of our Maker vanishes.

I bring up heaven because until I put my longing in an eternal perspective it's meaning is difficult to ascertain.  Eventually, a path free of obstacles, hindrances, restrictions and resistance does await me - but that time is not now.  Now, what stares me in the face is a life ripe with resistance and the crazy thing is - its actually good.  Call it a trial, call it refining fire, you can even call it a trial by fire - but the truth is this resistance is meant to be embraced not avoided.   My journey abounds with resistance.  As Ang and I try to sell our house, as I try to sift through the fog surrounding my heart, as I try to understand what story my Creator has written for my life, as I try to understand what it means to be a father, a husband, a man - resistance is everywhere always trying to funnel me back towards ease of motion.  I have to actively engage the resistors that have been set before me because somewhere in that challenge is truth, somewhere in that challenge is life.