The Road Not Taken

People often do the opposite. They take the safest route, because of the fear of the uncertainty. But, the only way to ensure a different outcome than you have always experienced is to try something different. Take the road less traveled. True, you may not like it, but it may open up opportunities you could never imagine.

 The Road Not Taken is a poem by Robert Frost that I learned in high school. 

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

—Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken

Negative Consequences

Taking a chance can be difficult and may come with some negative consequences. Let me give you an example. When Lizzy and I were newly married. We lived on Logue Street in our hometown. The house was close to my work, but, actually, it didn’t matter where we lived; we were newlyweds. Every day was a new and exciting experience. 

The house on Logue was owned by my cousin. He and his wife decided to sell it and it seemed like the safe thing to do as a young couple, buy a house rather than continuing to pay rent. It would be an investment and a solid foundation for starting a family. I, however, wanted to be a teacher. It was a dream delayed while I worked and Lizzy finished her teaching degree. So, we made an offer on the house. They accepted it and we began the process: saving for a down payment, getting a home inspection, applying for FHA, qualifying for a mortgage, and on-and-on. Then, one day, I got a brochure in the mail with the title, “All roads lead to Big Rapids.” Interestingly, all roads actually do lead to anywhere you want to go; you just have to take the right road. 

Actually, I had previously considered applying to Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. A few of my most respected community college professors had attended Ferris State, but I considered it beyond my ability to achieve. I don’t know exactly what happened next, but Lizzy and I made a visit. We faced some immediate obstacles. The closing date for purchasing the house was set and we showed up only to say we were backing out of the deal. My cousin and his wife were less than happy for us. We ended up needing a lawyer, but there was no looking back.

Uncertainties

There were many uncertainties. We couldn’t live in a dorm as a married couple. We had a little dog that we would have to bring. How would we afford it? Where would we attend church? Looking back, it all turned out amazingly. It became one of the most the treasured experiences of our lives together. 

It turned out that colleges have something called “married housing.” If I had only known, I would have done it years earlier. We met some wonderful young couples. All of whom were in the same boat as us. 

We found an apartment that accepted dogs in the tiny town of Paris, Michigan. Yes, they have a mini Eiffel Tower… a gas station, and a bar, with a sign on the door, “No knives, no guns.” 

We did struggled with money. Donated groceries were dropped off at our door. We were given venison, which we ate almost daily, but we made it. I got a grant that paid for the tuition and a job at the local Chevrolet dealership. Instead of making minimum wage, I was paid “flat rate,” considerably more. The service manager allowed me to make my hours around my classes. When I showed up, he had the cars lined up waiting for me. 

Spiritual Growth

We found a church with a campus ministry, focusing on couples just like us. We made friends with people who strengthened our faith. It became a time of spiritual growth. 

All these years later, I am so glad that we took “the road less traveled.” It resulted in a thirty plus year career. Yes, we did eventually purchase another house and God blessed Lizzy and I with an amazing family. My advice, take the fork. The “good stuff” waits for you on the road not taken.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding… ”

—Proverbs 3:5

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Victorious.