Stop, Look, and Listen!

   I’m often struck by the lessons God teaches me through the process of raising Isaac and Matilda. Here’s an example. My parents live across the street from us and watch both kids for at least part of every weekday. As a result, I have walked them across North Lane hundreds of times in the past several years. One of the obvious early instructions we’ve given them is that we stop, look both ways, and listen for cars before crossing the street. We live on a short, dead-end street so traffic is minimal, but it’s still a fundamental safety habit they need to learn. I have a clear view of both directions so, when it’s safe, I let them run ahead a little and cross on their own. One day last week I took note that Matilda, indeed, stopped, quickly turned her head from side to side and started to bolt. I said, “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” She turned and looked at me quizzically (Her ‘quizzical face’ is adorable, by the way) and said, “What??” I informed her that she had just gone through the motions of checking for traffic and asked her to try it again. She carefully looked both ways, listened, and we proceeded.

   Almost immediately, I felt the weight of conviction. I clearly envisioned the Father placing a hand on my shoulder and gently reminding me that, often, I’m the one going through the motions of being watchful. In Proverbs 4:23, it’s stated in no uncertain terms; “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.”  Going through the motions, you see, doesn’t qualify as “all diligence.” It also occurred to me that my walk doesn’t take place on a path with as little traffic. Do you suppose Matilda would have been a lot more careful if I had told her that there would be many very dangerous drivers passing the house as we crossed? I’m sure she would have, and 1 Peter 5:8 provides just such a warning for us: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” God is warning us that Satan doesn’t take breaks from his desire to destroy us and that we let our guards down at great risk.

   Do you do what I’ve done at times? Absentmindedly navigate your daily Bible reading or prayer time? Let’s heed the wise counsel of the One who loves us far more than we can imagine. He never takes a break from His ultimate love.

Blessings, Kevin