Listen

Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me; suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple.

The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming, says the Lord of heavenly forces.

Malachi 3:1

Think

How did you get where you are?

Whether you’ve realized it or not, the place you find yourself now is the result of a path that, while a result of your choices, was cleared by others. From the school you attend that was built by someone else’s hands to the roads you drive that were paved by someone else’s labor, even to the faith you hold that has been passed down for generations, the place you find yourself is the gift of those who came before you.

The fact that you didn’t “make your own path” should not feel disappointing. Instead, it should remind you that you are in good company. As Malachi teaches us, even God ventures down a path that was created by others.

And tomorrow, someone is going to be walking down a path that you yourself cleared for them. As one of many in God’s long line of messengers, consider how you might clear a path of peace for those who are following in your footsteps.

Dave McNeely

Pray

God, thank you for the many people who came before me who have made my way a path of peace.

Help me to continue in a peaceful path so that those who come behind me may also be blessed with peace.

Amen.

Go

As your feet walk down the path of peace,

May your heart remain open to receive peace,

And your hands remain open to offer peace.

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