The Road Not Taken



 Me and my dear "soul sister" Nancy 
at the 2012 UN Women's Sacred Circle
 
I have, always, loved the Robert Frost poem, "A Road Not Taken."  The last few lines resonated with me, even as a child.
"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."  
  
Something in the idea of going where few have gone before appealed to my young sense of adventure.  As I grew, experiencing life, I realized that this was much more difficult than simply deciding to go in another direction.

The lure of the material world, the world of fame and fortune, the insidiously fabricated world of "you-must-have" and "you-must-do," is often hard to resist.  In addition, sometimes this world is so simply packaged that we don't even realize we are traveling down a slippery slope until we come crashing to the bottom.

Thankfully, age, experience and wisdom can often times carry us to a crossroads where we can make that choice.  

As many of you know, I have been traveling down the road towards ordination.  In a few short weeks, I will be ordained and will begin a new journey as an interfaith minister.  This is most definitely a road less traveled!

To say that I know exactly where this road leads would be untrue.  I have no idea what will be around the next corner, but I do know that whatever lies ahead, my life will be richer for the experience.  I have learned so much in the last two years, about myself as well as others.  I have found affirmation of my calling, after years of being told I wasn't listening correctly.  I have developed skills that will enable me to be the best minister I can be.

To quote from another favorite Frost poem, "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.  But I have promises to keep - and miles to go before I sleep. And, miles to go before I sleep."

Please hold me in your thoughts and prayers during the next few weeks.  Ordination is on June 15th.  I will be away from the blog until that time.

Blessings to all!  Namasté!

Comments

Kath Fearing said…
There is no doubt in my mind, Linda, that you will be an amazing, sensitive minister to people who desperately need this in their lives. Congratulations and a long, successful ministry to you. Lots of Love.
May 15, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas, M.Ed. said…
Thank you for your kind words, Kath! Love to you, too, my dear friend.

You'll love this - Roger hadn't heard the blog, yet. He just came in and handed me a copy of Robert Frost's "In the Clearing," which he got at the library's $1 table!! Spooky, huh?

Blessings!!
May 15, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Kathy Riccillo said…
You have a compassionate, loving soul, and a passion for the diverse cultures of all people, which fit perfectly for the new path you have chosen. New experiences at any age may be a challenge, but you and I are so alike in our willingness to try. We do have "promises to keep [and]miles to go" in our life!
May 15, 2013 at 4:41 PM
Unknown said…
I find it always a supreme inspiration when women follow their heart and spirits and lead the life they know they must walk. It takes courage and hope for the future. Thanks for showing us that.
May 15, 2013 at 6:58 PM
Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas, M.Ed. said…
Thanks, Kathy! I am so happy to share the journey with you, sister! Keep shining your Light.

Love you!
May 15, 2013 at 7:13 PM
Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas, M.Ed. said…
Dear Julie,

Thank you for your kind words. Leaps of faith do take great courage - but oh, how wonderful to fly!

Blessings!
May 15, 2013 at 7:15 PM
Blues said…
Thank you for your inspiration! I love that second Frost poem you quoted. As enticing as it sounds to linger in the dark, we all have a greater spiritual calling, and it is time to wake up to it!

Namaste
Blues
May 18, 2013 at 1:11 PM
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