Two boys were playing in the snow and decided to see who could walk in the straightest line in the snow. One boy fixed his eyes on a distant tree and walked straight towards it without looking back. The other boy kept checking his path, turning around every few steps. The first boy's path was perfectly straight when they reached their goal, while the second's was zigzagged. The second boy asked how the first managed such a straight line. The first replied, "I just kept my eyes on the tree and didn't look away while you kept turning back, which made you lose your path."
This story is a metaphor for our spiritual walk in Christ. It teaches us about focus and direction in our faith journey. The boy who fixed his gaze on the tree and never looked back represents those of us who set our sights on Christ and stay true to that vision. The other boy, whose path was uneven, symbolizes the wavering faith that comes when we constantly look back, questioning and doubting our course.
We read in Hebrews 12:1-2, “…let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…” This scripture urges us to focus on Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith. In Him, we find the strength to overcome distractions and temptations and to run the race of life with perseverance and hope.
The journey may be filled with snow – challenges, and uncertainties – but the path remains clear when we focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the guiding light in our moments of darkness, the steady anchor in our times of storm. When we focus solely on Him, our steps become sure, and we find our path straight and true, guided by the light of faith and warmed by His everlasting love.
