“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

~ Robert Frost

Today’s inspirational quote, for me, is about taking risks.  Risk is inherent in virtually everything we do.  Driving to work – risk of having a car accident.  Getting the flu shot – risk of contracting Guillain-Barré syndrome.  Falling in love – risk of getting your heart trampled.  Getting married – risk of eventual divorce.  Eating raisins – risk of choking or having an allergic reaction (silly I know, but it makes the point).

In life, any choice that is presented to us is two-sided; one is safe, and the other risky.  While safety is paramount in my own personal life, occasionally taking a risk can be beneficial.  A prime example (for me) is getting married a second time.  Before I got married the first time, this man was sweet, gentle, caring, almost a saint in my eyes.  However, even though he didn’t appear to represent any dangerous risk, he certainly did after I said those fated words ‘I do’.

The second time around, and before I promised to love my husband forever, I found him to be sweet, gentle, and caring as well.  The choices I faced were, should I trust it, and take the plunge or should I run away as fast as my little legs could carry me.  Running away represented little risk to me.  Jumping in was by far, the most unnerving option.

For me, marrying my husband was the road less traveled.  Despite the risk of potentially the same painful existence I experienced the first time, I mustered my faith in him, and jumped in.  I have to say, that choice, taking that risk, has made all the difference in my life.  My husband, Todd, has made all the difference in my life.

He restored my faith in the goodness of men.  He restored my faith in promises held.  He restored my faith in marriage, love, and family.   That risk was worth abandoning my fear.

So, take those calculated risks…you might surprise yourself.

What does this quote stir in you?