I was a soldier in United States Army for many years. During my time as a soldier, I experienced many things, learned much about people (yes, soldiers are people; we tend to forget they are some mother's and father's child), and completed much training. I remember basic training and how tough it was, physically and mentally. This training had to be completed before one could go on to next training. We learned offensive and defensive tactics, teamwork, respect for authority, and much more. We had to abide by our Army Regulations, set of rules and instructions that govern operation of Army.

Two of things that stick in my mind are End of Term of Service (ETS) and Date Eligible to Return from Overseas(DEROS) dates. I knew that unless I reenlisted or extended my service obligation, my ETS would come at a certain date, and I would be released from my duty as a soldier. While serving overseas, I knew that at a certain date, my DEROS would come and I could go back home. All soldiers knew these dates (sometimes as our dates approached, we would go around yelling SHORT) and looked forward to completing their obligations.

I use to wonder why so many of Lord's people could believe or behave way they did. I use to hear and participate in endless discussions of why this Church believed one thing and another Church believed another. No two groups of Christians appeared same from doctrines to beliefs! There were such diversities among all us Christians! Many times all talk led me into more confusion and distrust. Many times it left me doubting my own relationship with Jesus; and worse yet, doubting an-others relationship with Jesus.

What I could not seem to grasp was why our Lord allowed all these differences to remain! Didn't Jesus know how they all looked as His Disciples? Didn't Jesus care how they all reflected on Him? To make matters worse, no one seemed to have any answers either. The few answers that were shuffled around never seemed to satisfy MY Discipleship or beliefs. It instead, seemed like everyone was jockeying for some position within Kingdom either here on Earth or in Heavenly's.

This went on for a few years without any spiritual solution or personal resolution. At times when I felt more spiritual myself, I would try to present some 'religious cliche' as an answer. But, never any answer that reveals real Truth that sets you free.

One morning, while again, quietly pondering such things with Lord, answer came. The truth appeared! In front of me I saw a Path. This Path stretched from horizon to horizon. The path curved and weaved its way into hills, valleys, and mountains. A well worn Path is was, it could not be mistaken for anything else. It cut it's way thru entire landscape and forged its way into pleasant meadows and glens, forests, and even deserts. A Path for one and a Path for all. Yet Path always seemed to remain relatively narrow.

As I continued to focus on this picturesque Path, I began to see people. Many people, and all kinds of people! Yet Path was not crowded and there was plenty of room for more people. Seeing so many people I noticed certain individuals and groups. All were plainly dressed in long nondescript robes and all generally appeared same age, yet not old or young. Each distinctly still had their own individual appearance.

Looking still closer, I began to see some carrying on conversations with each other. Large groups on Path, talking and walking; smaller groups on Path, talking and walking also. Each group was totally engrossed in enjoyable conversations as they walked on Path together. I can even remember How I wished to join up with them just to hear what was being said.

But then as I looked along Path I noticed a few scattered here and there that were totally alone. Some walking alone, some sitting on Path's side, all alone. It looked like a few were just plain tired and had sat down to rest. Then I noticed others so alone they had helplessly sat down and started crying. Tears falling as others walked on by. Once in awhile a hand would reach out to one and immediately that one would jump up and start walking again as two clasped hands and continued on together. Then there were a few who never moved from Path's side where they had settled down. These few people seemed to cry and cry and cry, a continuous flow of tears. So great was their weeping that I wondered why? Looking a bit closer I knew that such burdens within has caused their hearts to cry out in distress, since it could no longer bear grief. So such cryings were their only relief.

Upon seeing such sorrows, I had to look away and immediately my attention was caught by a loud commotion arising from another group on Path. A whole crowd was laughing and joking and back- slapping, like there was no tomorrow. The noise attracted such attention that more and more people were being drawn to it like a magnet. Some out of curiosity, some just following one's in front of them. Many stragglers joined raucous group as if they had nothing better to do. What a sight to behold! As crowds got bigger and bigger, it seemed to center around one individual person. Each time this person spoke all would cheer wildly and wave their hands and arms, like spectators at a game. The excitement actually filled air and everyone was enthralled in mesmerizing atmosphere.