Primrose Path- a path of ease or pleasure
This morning I awoke to a text from my friend Wyndi. She
had found it- the "primrose path."
Lane, path. It's all the same. A road that takes you from one place to another.
Mark Smith, our principal/physics, chemistry, geometry, algebra, Bible teacher/counselor/mentor at Hebron Christian School, told us many times "not to be led down the 'primrose path.' " Evidently he knew his Shakespeare too.
"Do not, as some ungracious pastors do,
Show me the steep and thorny way to heaven,
Whiles, like a puff'd and reckless libertine,
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads,
And recks not his own rede." - Shakespeare's Hamlet
This "path" is also mentioned in Macbeth:
"the primrose way to the everlasting bonfire" (2.3)
i.e., the broad and attractive road to destruction.
After receiving Wyndi's text today, I got to thinking about the path I've taken over these past 20 years since I graduated from that little school. Yes, this is my 20 year reunion. There is only one problem with that- I was the only senior that year. We attended a very small school, and by the time I reached my last year, the rest of my "class" had gone elsewhere to finish. Still, I had a graduation ceremony, all for me, which lasted about an hour!
Needless to say, there wasn't a reunion for me to attend this year. No need. I have one everyday!
But, as I thought about these past years that have flown by, I considered the paths I have wandered down. I was alone on this journey only for only a few of these 20 years, having married at age 22. There were many times, though, that I chose a path of ease, one that seemed broad and appealing but brought destruction at its end. A path of jealousy, bitterness, gossip, lust, laziness, envy.
I also wondered about those same friends who heard Mr. Smith's words over and over, as Wyndi and I did. What paths have they taken? Where are they now? Did they choose the narrow path or take the broad way that the Bible speaks of? Do they even remember these truths that we were taught?
Our literal paths have led us to different places, but I told Wyndi long ago (about 20 years) that a cord connects our hearts; and no matter where our roads lead, we will always have that to tie us together. It was that connection that caused her to send me the text this morning. (BTW, thanks for your research and the whole Shakespeare thing!)
I saw this picture posted on her husband's facebook page and asked to steal it. I also asked if she took "Primrose Lane" and did it lead her to this place?! If so, I was tempted!
No, Mr. Smith would be proud. She didn't have to take that road to end up here. In fact, figuratively speaking, had she taken the "Primrose" exit, it would look far different from this scenery.
But here, where the narrow path leads, is that which is perfect peace. Where the "Son" shines bright. Where, yes, sometimes the terrain is bumpy, but it is spotted with the green grass of His grace and mercy. Where we can rest in His sovereign shade.(Ps. 121:5) Where, as the ocean seems endless, so is His love.(Jer. 31:3) Where the waves consistently crash against the shore, reminding us of His loud, mighty strength and at the same time, of His gentle voice and touch. Where His thoughts of us out-number the grains of sand.(Ps. 139:18)
As you reflect over the past years of your life, which path have you taken? Which path are you on? If it's "Primrose," it's not too late to turn around.
| Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— | |
| I took the one less traveled by, | |
| And that has made all the difference. |
Robert Frost
