The way

On one of these paths, we can walk 10-15 deep. On the other, probably 4 at the most. On one of these paths, we can ride our bikes, maybe even drive our cars. It is mostly downhill, and it is well worn because of the massive amounts of people who took it before. After all, the path of least resistance is the path most traveled. On that other path, we definitely can't drive a car, there are too many rocks and roots across the path. A bike is probably out of the question because of those same obstacles. It would be easier to take that path if more people took it. They would have worn it down, made it much more domestic. It seems like it is mostly uphill too. At best, you can carry a stick along to make the journey a little easier.

On the first path, you definitely can walk alone at times. If you decide you have had it with all the people driving crazy next to you, just stop for awhile, get some rest and regroup. Go it alone for awhile. Take your time, eat a fatty snack, drink a soda or a beer. No rush. That other path, though, you almost have to have someone to help you on. You also know that you don't have any time to waste on that path. You don't have much to eat, maybe some granola and a water bottle, because you were commanded to pack light for the journey. And now you know why. All those packs and bags would make navigating this already difficult terrain nearly impossible.

Which brings up another reason the larger path is probably better. On that large path, there aren't a bunch of bossy signs telling you to do this or not to do that. You can just drop your trash wherever you want. Why do you need to take care of the massive path when no one else does? But on the other path, there are a lot of warning signs. And it looks like no one has left their trash on that path either (probably because no one walks it, you think).

So there you are, sitting and thinking. Wondering which path will get you where you want to go. You can't see where either path ends, because they are much too long. When you ask the people traveling the paths, they all say they go where you want to be. So you are torn.

The one seems very fun. Everyone is smiling, celebrating almost. They even say you can do some really great things on this path. "Look how many people we can help here." "Plus we don't have to leave any of our gear behind." "Come on, you gotta live a little." "Why should the trail master make it hard on us? Clearly this road is better because more people take it."

But there are a couple people taking the other path. And, on first impression they don't seem like much. A very kind old man and his wife. A homely looking family. Some weird looking dude. But the strange thing about those people is that as disparate as they look, they appear to be enjoying one another's company very much. They aren't laughing or even smiling all the time, but they are helping one another. They are taking turns carrying the small amount of gear. Though none of them look particularly strong, they are gradually and definitely moving toward the goal. They are moving up the path with an almost dogged determination.

So what to do? Take the road less traveled, or the road less quit on? Continue to enjoy the status quo, give up on people when it is convenient, or go the way where to give up on others means to give up on yourself?