the road not taken

By some interpretations, Robert Frost wrote "The Road Not Taken" as a way to reflect on the possibilities, the life that could've been, the "what if" that can still tug on the back of your mind (I wrote a paper on Robert Frost in the 11th grade so I am obviously an expert).

The poem is usually relegated to Hallmark greeting cards for recent high school or college graduates, but I think the message is much more contemplative than a mere "carpe diem" sort of rally. He doesn't talk about the road he did take; he focuses on the road that he did not take. How many times in our lives are we faced with an obvious fork in the path?

I was reminded of my college decision. Originally, I was going to go to a huge state university. It's a reputable school - well known for its diversity, high scholastic achievement, and athletics. But... at the last minute, I changed my mind. I was literally enrolled in classes, assigned a roommate, the whole sha-bang.

But something didn't stick right in my heart (or was it my mind?) I didn't feel right about attending. I was 18-years-old and clearly in over my head.

I look back and realize that God's presence was clearly in that situation. I didn't end up going to said college. Instead I commuted for a year and then transferred. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I've thought a couple times of what would've happened if I'd stayed. Stuck it out and just went. What would've happened?

It isn't worth contemplating for more than 10 minutes, but in my (ahem) short 26 years, I've already had a couple of "road not taken" moments. I'm sure there's more to come...