I find myself standing at a fork in the road. To the left the path is wide and open, well-traveled and full of people. To the right the path is narrow and difficult, and there is not a living soul in sight.

The vision changes. I am at the edge of a cliff, having been told my parachute will deploy if I jump. It must be miles high; I can’t see the ground below. There is no other way to descend. I have never jumped alone before. And I am most certainly alone now.

I think about my options.

The right fork is the one all my heroes have taken. It is the selfless road, the one Jesus Himself chose. It is the path of love, of laying down one’s life for the sake of another, no matter who they are or what the cost. And the cost is indeed great. It will cost you your pride, your rights, and perhaps even your very life.

The left fork is easy. No one judges or hates you for taking that way. You don’t have to give anything up or leave anything behind, and you will have plenty of company. God wants us to live a happy and easy life, right?

They say at the bottom of the cliff is the most incredible beauty, a river flowing with streams of the water of life, a treasure beyond compare.

But oh how I like the feel of the ground beneath my feet.

What to do?

This moment freezes in time. The opportunity to choose could slip away in an instant.

Fear grips my heart, hesitation, indecision.

I take a breath. My mind becomes focused.

The choice before me is clear. It is to choose love, or to choose selfishness.

I can continue to live for myself, or I can choose to love others with full abandon and open arms.

Peace floods my soul.

And a Voice whispers gently, “You will never be alone.”

I know what I must do.

I must take the hard road.

I must jump.

I choose the way of love.