Be on Guard

When spring arrives on the farm, so do snakes. At first, two snakes (a bull snake and a rattlesnake) made their appearance on our premises. Showing no remorse when the opportunity presented itself, I drove my car over the bull snake until it had died. Then, as if it were making paybacks, several weeks later two more bull snakes lay sunning themselves in the cool grass in front of our dining room window.  When my husband, Larry, went out to check on them, they quickly slithered out of sight.  Despite their disappearance, I remained cautious every time I left the house until…a few distractions caught me off-guard.

               Late one morning I was tending my two flower pots in our back yard when I noticed a small space in the so-called foundation of our house.  Foundation?? That’s a chuckle because our house, over 100 years old, doesn’t have much of a foundation.  In fact, only by God’s protective arms it remains upright. (possible blog piece) J Anyway, when I spotted this space, I took action. I remembered seeing some bricks lying in an area that once contained a vegetable garden. Larry had just mowed this section so the walk was free of weeds and tall grass. When I neared the site, I spotted a brick immediately and picked it up. Just as I started back to the house, I saw Larry’s pickup pull into our parking lot and at the same time I felt a rubbery, wiggly sensation coming from the bottom of my tennis shoe.  Glancing down, I jumped several inches to the side as I had stepped on a thin, grey/blue snake.  I’m not sure which of us was frightened the most, but I didn’t wait around to see where that “dude” went.  By the time I ran to the house, I was breathless and my heart had to be racing as fast as American Pharaoh!  Whew!!

               As I reviewed this experience, there are many incidents in life which catch us off-guard, especially when things seem to be going smoothly. These unexpected distractions can cause panic, create fear, and leave us with a sense of hopelessness. But that’s just how the ole devil works.  That’s why Peter in his first letter warned us about the devil. “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.  But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong and firm.  God will be in control forever! Amen.” 1 Peter 5: 8 – 11 (Contemporary English Version)

               After that unexpected “snake” encounter, even though it’s a daily challenge, I am trying to be more aware of my surroundings as I venture outside.  However, a more important lesson that I’ve learned through this confrontation is the fact that I must not lose myself in fear but to rely upon God and trust Him through each and every distraction in life, whether it be natural, physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. This, too, is a daily challenge.

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”  2 Thessalonians 3:3

Flight Tracker

               Ever since a friend of mine told me about Flight Tracker, I enjoy using it, especially when members of my family or close friends take to the sky for travelling purposes.

               For some of you who might not be familiar with this online flight service, it’s a website where airline flights can be followed. All you need is the name of the airline, the departure and arrival airports, and flight numbers, if available.  Once I’ve entered the necessary flight information on the site, a screen will appear showing details relating to the flight, such as whether or not the plane has been boarded or if it’s on the runway.  Then suddenly, a miniature plane appears and the flight begins.

               I find it fascinating to observe the jet as it crosses the country.  Actually, watching the plane is a good geography exercise.  Cities, highways, lakes, rivers, and mountain ranges are all visible.  A chart is also made available which gives the altitude, speed and other specific information about the jet.

               As I see the small plane figure move from place to place, I feel connected with my family members and friends who are aboard the plane. I visualize being there with them, sharing the experience together, talking, laughing, reading, napping, and anticipating the arrival of our destination. Then, when I read on my laptop screen that the plane has landed, I feel relief, knowing they are safe upon the ground so I close the site and wait to hear from them.

               Yes, the Flight Tracker is an amazing resource for following flights across the United States, but what is even a greater resource is God, our Heavenly Father, who is continually tracking our lives without the internet. Not only does He track us, but He also wants to be connected with us so He sent His Son Jesus to make that connection. With Jesus we can share our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions because He knows us inside and out. We don’t have to wait till the plane lands to find relief and inner peace. We can find it in a personal relationship with Jesus, our one, true and constant flight tracker.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Shadows

               Do you remember the time when you discovered your shadow?  I don’t recall my age, but I do remember the fun of playing hand puppets on the wall by making different finger and fist creations. Sometimes I was even impressed with my designs. J But then, the fun ended when the light went out or some other entertainment took its place.

               When I walk down the quarter-mile road, depending on the direction of the light, I am joined by my shadow.  I find it comforting in a pleasant sort of way to know I have company. However, when the light disappears, so does my shadow.  While I reflected on this simple “shadow” concept, thoughts concerning the Holy Spirit surfaced.

               Imagine if you will that the Holy Spirit is one’s shadow. As I walk with the light behind me, my shadow goes before me, leading the way. It also accompanies me from the side as though we’re striving together side by side. However, when I face the light, my shadow is behind me. Even though it’s there and I can’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s gone.

               Similar comparisons can be made to the Holy Spirit. Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior, he/she receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Helper Jesus spoke of when He was with His disciples. “And I pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever---the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”  John 14: 16-17   Likewise, as our shadows appear before, beside and behind us, so the Spirit will lead us through our challenges, walking side by side and never leaving us alone, even when we don’t see His Presence. So, the next time you notice your shadow, let it remind you of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, who’s with you 24/7!!!

“Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.”  Psalm 63:7-8