On Roads, Warning Signs, and Choice

Roads are a common theme or symbol in stories and poetry, a simple way to convey a journey, especially through life and the choices that must be made along the way.  Two famous examples of this are Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and JRR Tolkien’s “Roads Go Ever On.” While the messages of each are slightly different, the basic meaning is the same.  Each traveler chooses their path, and by doing so, their life. 

Similarly, in cartoons or adventure movies, the hero approaching the dangerous cave will be bombarded by warning signs along the path.  “Danger!” “Turn Back!” “Quick Sand Ahead” “Falling Rocks” Each hero also has well meaning friends and companions who try to help and give advice as well as enemies who will try to derail the journey.  The hero in every case has a decision to make before continuing down the road.  Will they prepare properly?  Turn back? Or take a really dumb chance?  Going on could result in injury or even death.  Abandoning the mission could lead to humiliation or worse, endangering the lives of others. In the end, it is the hero who must weigh the options and make the choice.

All of us make these same choices in life and all of us are the heroes of our own stories.  Paths and roads branch off daily.  Sometimes they are huge forks that will completely change the direction and course of our future.  Sometimes they are meandering little loops that may waste time or provide a nice diversion, but nothing more.  Either way, choices need to be made.  Where are we going?  What is our goal?  How will we finally make it home? 

Along the way, we too will encounter warning signs, well meaning friends, and enemies.  Like other heroes, we will have to decide what to do.  Do we turn back? Abandon our mission?  Do we make preparations for difficulties ahead?  Or take a really dumb chance?  How do we know what to do?  Warning signs exist for a reason, but they are obviously not equal in value, the same is to be said for advice. 

In times of uncertainty and confusion, heroes often turn to Sages or Wise Folk, those who possess wisdom or knowledge beyond their own.  We have the same privilege.  We can seek wisdom and direction through prayer.  The guidance and direction we receive through the Holy Ghost is more powerful than any Sage in any story, if we choose to listen.  Once we seek, we must act, continuing down the path, prepared, and ready to face the obstacles and dangers we know are coming.

A word of warning, not all the dangers along the road are clearly marked.  Sometimes, we create dangers for ourselves.  Sometimes, others have made choices that have damaged the road ahead.  And sometimes, things just happen.  Make the choice ahead of time to not give up.  To not surrender to despair or feelings of failure.  No hero has ever successfully completed a quest by giving up. 

Chose your path wisely.  There is no one perfect path for everyone in this life.  Warning signs should be heeded, but they don’t always mean to give up on the direction and path you are on.  Remember, you are the hero.  You are the warrior.  You can and will do this.  The road lies ahead of you.