We like keeping our options open. It gives us a sense of power and control. But we’re not truly free when we have too many options. While we can choose any lane we want, we never learn how to stay in one and discover its depths. Much maturity is needed to intentionally take the back roads of life that constrain our options – to choose less on purpose.
To be sure, there’s nothing inherently wrong with driving on a multilane highway that allows us to change lanes at will. But such options are also not neutral. Pride, entitlement, and sometimes outright rage are close by even in the presence of minor inconveniences. Having countless options will shape our expectations and what we’re able to tolerate as we navigate life, though usually not for the better.
On the other hand, choosing the back roads is choosing to surrender to constraints that allow us to grow in maturity. We’re choosing commitment to one path rather than hedging our bets or always scanning the horizon for a better option.
This comes with a cost as we quickly realize there are many things outside of our control. Relational commitments force us to deal with many personal quirks of others that we would not have chosen ourselves. Success at work requires us to endure necessary learning curves rather than always jumping to the next thing. Even our calling will compel us to give up the ease and comfort everyone else seems to enjoy.
But there’s beauty, peace, and a deeper joy on the back roads we would miss if we always stayed on the busy highways of life. While we give up many options, we’re finally free to actually enjoy the road we’re on.
Often you don’t need a new plan or motivation. You need to become the kind of man who no longer needs to demand options to feel alive. You take the road less traveled. And stay long enough for your strength to deepen and become a force for good.
Photo by Jonathan Stout on Unsplash
