September 14: Insight Post by Bret Burzio

Weekly Focus

Monday Insight Post
by J. Bret Burzio, Sr.

As I was growing up, my Dad and I spent many weekends having adventures out in the Shenandoah National Park. I have vivid memories of following him up and down all sorts of trails and switchbacks, crossing streams, and maybe a little rock climbing here and there. I followed him closely and without a care in the world because I knew he knew where he was going. I felt completely safe. And how many useful things I was able to learn along the way! Always keep your eyes on the path ahead. Take smaller steps going down the mountain because it’s easier to have accidents. Step on top of the log instead of stepping over it so you don’t accidentally step on a snake. (This sage advice has come in handy more than once over the course of my life!)

I was taken back to these memories when reading last week’s verses in Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT), ⁴Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. ⁵Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. And I’m thinking how much more wisdom and safety there is in following our Heavenly Father through this life. In this week’s verses, we have Romans 8:14 (NLT) that says, For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. I have to tell you, as a boy, I would not have felt even remotely as safe on those mountain trails if I had to follow someone else’s dad. No, I’m His child, and I want to follow Him alone.

This week my prayer for everyone is that we remember that God is right there in front of us ready to lead us on the right path. To know the journeys He leads us on are filled with His immeasurable love. That there will be still waters, green pastures, valleys (and yes, surely some mountains to scale on this adventure!) And to make sure we have open ears, open eyes, and open hearts because He’s got so much to teach us as we follow.  Happy hiking people!

J. Bret Burzio, Sr. 
Executive Administrator

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org