this is something we should take with grains of salt. now when parents say not to go out alone, children should pay heed to this even if they think it's ridiculous as they can take care of themselves. the choice of trotting old paths versus venturing is ultimately up to everyone of us. i won't deem it as cowardice, unless it's peer pressure that decides for u or some other external factor that made the unwanted choice
I agree, the choice via old/new paths is always up to one's self -
if the person chooses <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />. Choice is meant as a result of consciencous self-reflection, correct (that's no cowardice then)? Then I respect it. If someone chooses (really chooses, meaning this: I see the grass, I see the path) then it was self-reflection. This was all I meant <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> - and if this person likes to take the old path and doesn't call over to those on the green grass:" Here you HAVE to come over, only my path is the correct one. If you don't you'll be damned, you're wrong, I hate you, or you do it because you hate me etc." = ok, totally ok, IMO. Real children need a gentle form of guidance for a while IMO so they learn how many paths exist (if the parent knows several paths). But then? I think you know what I would prefer = let them go.
choices we made merely reflect our preferences. how we walk in the paths will show what each person is made of. i may take the well used path with agenda different from others. or i may take a new path just to convince myself that i'm unique or that i sucked badly in the old path. just like cars that travel down the same road, how each is driven depends mostly on the thinker, who happens to be the driver.
Yes, I agree, HOW we walk shows the quality, not the path itself <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" /> - IMO IMO IMO <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> - the way we walk it, may even add to quality to this path. I've met Christians who simply lived their belief, in a way that impressed me very much. I liked to watch them, they lived not talked about it, let alone trying to convince others. They answered if I asked, yes. But they simply explained, they felt no need to tug me over. Why? Well, just my opinion again: they felt no need to. They didn't depend on my approval, my convertion or whatever to make their path "more right" for them. My different opinion was no rejection for them, no "if you're not for me your against me". I think, they were just self-secure enough.
Kiya
Well, this is what I like, respect and try to live myself: see a path as an offer and leave the decision up to me if I follow or not. Same goes for what I say: An offer, free to take or to leave, even if my words may be felt stronger than I intend to.
