Which way do you want to go next?

Today I had a really fun time with my youngest at her Kindergarten friend's birthday party. The celebration was at a family fun center, with arcade games, climbing walls, go carts, and a ropes course. My daughter decided to try the ropes course, and since she was barely tall enough I got to go up with her (wish I had thought about that possibility before wearing boots with heels instead of athletic shoes, but it worked out). 

As we moved through the course, I watched fear go through her mind and almost stop her, and then she decided to keep going. We'd finish a challenge and she'd get this spark in her eyes like, "I did that!" Each time, I'd ask her, "which way do you want to go next?" She'd look at the options and point to the next one, then I'd lead the way and hold my hand out for her to grab as she followed. I reminded her about the harness she was wearing and the tether that was keeping her locked onto the track. I reminded her that she would not fall. 

With each challenge I thought how similar this experience was to our experience here on Earth and the support that's available to us. We approach a new challenge, feel the fear that accompanies the unknown, and then choose to keep going. We complete the challenge and gain a new spark in our eyes because we did it. Then God lets us choose what's next. He's available to lead us by the hand if we'll let Him, and He delights in every courageous step we take. 

So which way do you want to go next? Which challenge seems exciting but scary to you? With God, all things are possible. You will not fall. Go for it.