The Path...

No two paths are alike, so there’s no reason to compare.  Some seem obvious.  Others require investigation, discovery, and waiting for those “nudges” only He can give.
By: Sue Duby
​March 2022

Back in the day… a few too many days ago to count… our family called a small East Texas town our home. When I say small, I mean SMALL. Think one blinking stoplight, a main street that stretched for just 2 blocks, and fields dotted with silent oil wells, marking what once was. And yet, we Dubys would all say we loved that sweet season.

We rarely locked our doors. Driving to work required focused attention for tractors that might be just “over the hill”.  Though we felt connected to the world serving with an international ministry (Mercy Ships), our former frenzied life faded into simple country living.

One sunny morning, 5-year old Peter needed some action, so we grabbed our bikes. As obedient West Coast-trained riders, we pulled on helmets and headed off for some adventure.  A few blocks out, it hit me.  #1 – there were no other riders anywhere. #2 – I realized I’d never seen another helmet on anyone who rode around town. We were the “odd ducks”. We were having fun enjoying the fresh air and time together, but odd indeed. I felt the embarrassing people-pleaser within me begin to rise. What if someone saw us?  What would they think? Do we look silly?  And yet, I knew we were doing a good thing for us getting some exercise and protecting our heads.

Little did I realize that a simple bike ride would once again confirm that “this is our life” journey, wrestling to choose the right paths for us as a family and individually. It’s so hard to feel different at times, yet so freeing when you just know you’re on the right path, the one that God’s laid out before YOU, and when you remember (and believe!) that He has unique paths for all of us, each worth celebrating.

Along the way, He’s been gracious to bring so many tough opportunities to strengthen that “choosing the right path” muscle… and it’s still being worked on daily!

• Watching Krista stomp in the door as a kindergartner, throw her paper on the floor, slam her fist on the wall and scream, “see that red mark???!!” An overachiever at age 6.  The path was clear.  Homeschool her for first grade to help settle that intensity a bit!  All in the mid 80’s, when few even knew what that meant (including myself!).
• Leaving Seattle in 1988 to start our missions journey, with friends and family mystified, concerned, and cautiously excited.  And with our path choice, no answers to all the questions of how, when, or where, other than trusting His steps would unfold along the way (and they did!)
• Cruising down the freeway to join a hurricane deployment team in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  Empty lanes spread out for miles in front of Chuck’s truck heading south.  Creeping traffic on the other side, packing every lane as thousands evacuated coastal regions heading north.  It became our special motto together: “Going down the freeway on the wrong side (but right for us)”!

No two paths are alike, so there’s no reason to compare.  Some seem obvious.  Others require investigation, discovery, and waiting for those “nudges” only He can give.  Gratefully, we’re not on our own to figure out our unique “right paths”.  So many simple reminders provide a guiding framework to find those next steps:

• “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”   Jeremiah 6:16  NIV

(ASK Him to show you the right path)

• “Set your gaze on the path before you.  With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.  Watch where you’re going!  Stick to the path of truth, and the road will be safe and smooth before you.  Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for even a moment or take the detour that leads to darkness.”  Proverbs 4:25-27  The Passion Translation

(FOCUS on the path ahead)

• “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Psalm 16:11  NIV

(TRUST He will show you all the steps)

• “You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.” Psalm 18:36   NIV

(KNOW you are secure following Him)

​May you look for and even expect new paths to open before you, and may you trust He will be there as you dare to step forward in all that He has planned.

Sue Duby grew up on an island just minutes from downtown Seattle. From there, she ventured to California for college, teaching high school math and meeting husband Chuck.  In 1989, Sue and Chuck entered full time ministry.  17 years with Mercy Ships took them to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.  In 2006, they began 13 years with Hope Force International, serving those affected by natural disasters both in the U.S. and internationally.  Sue loves continued adventures with Chuck (44 years), deep friendships with children Krista, Peter, and their spouses, hugs from 5 grandchildren, flower arranging, and coffee shops.

---