Across the Pastor’s Desk by Nancy Overgaard

Nancy Overgaard is a member of the Freeborn County Ministerial Association.

While hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a friend and I passed the entrance to a path laden with warnings. A large bronze plaque placed at eye level pleaded with hikers not to even set foot on that particular path, warning of potentially deadly consequences. Smaller plaques placed at ankle height lined the walkway leading toward the perilous path. Curious, we stooped to read. Engraved on each plaque was the name of a hiker who ignored the warnings and paid the ultimate price. Below each name was the date that hiker died.

It seemed that, in every way park officials could think of, they were pleading with all who would listen not to even start down that path. The graveyard of miniature plaques added somber emphasis, offering hard evidence they were not exaggerating the dangers. Yet despite all the warnings, the more recent dates attested that some continued to insist on taking the path.

These days, we keep hearing of another set of plaques lining the entrance to another deadly path. Despite an abundance of warnings, names continue being added to the list of those dying as suddenly, tragically and needlessly from heroin and other drug overdoses. Even so, many continue to go down that path. Surely no one who starts down that path expects it to end that way, or they would not take that path. Saddest, to me, are those who die alone, their bodies found crumpled in a public restroom or alleyway; a tragic end to lives filled with potential.

Ironically, just beyond the hazardous path in New Hampshire lay the entrance to another path, magnificent in beauty, plentiful in challenge and adventure, yet with no restrictions. Those who take that path come away fulfilled, lives in tact, ready for the next adventure. So, why would anyone choose the deadly path when they could easily choose another? One wonders the same about life. With so many exciting paths to choose from, why does anyone choose deadly drugs when that path could often so easily be avoided?

It all begins with the first step, the first choice. For many, that first step is alcohol or marijuana. For many, the first step is taken simply out of the desire for fun and adventure, or the coaxing of a friend. Warning signs, posted all around, are ignored in favor of a good time, an adventure. Then, one step at a time the path becomes more perilous. As lesser drugs cease to satisfy, many ascend to harder drugs and greater frequency. Many intend to draw the line at heroin or meth, but soon even those lines are crossed and it becomes harder and harder to turn back.

For some, the end comes as swiftly as a rock slide or a fatal fall from a hazardous ledge or loose footing. For others, the path leads unintentionally on to irreversible life-altering events that cause irreparable harm. Far too common are sexual assaults on those too drunk or high to realize or respond to what is happening, leading to a lifetime of pain. For others, the path leads on to moral compromise — lying to cover up use, stealing to support it, then strained relationships and legal troubles. Farther up the path are failing out of school and forsaking a career path. Some get more chances than others. Yet, few get off the path without painful bruises and breaks.

So, why ever get on it? The easiest way to avoid all that pain is to never set foot on the path, never take that first step. Much as park officials in New Hampshire, the writer of Proverbs lines the walkway of life with warnings, pleading with all who will listen.

“Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way,” (Proverbs 4:14, 15).

Who is listening? I hope and pray my nieces and nephews are. Not everyone will, but those who do will never regret it.