One Step

I went outside to work in my garden early this morning. The overcast sky brought a welcomed relief from this summer's excessive heat. Bluebirds and Cardinals were fluttering around the yard. A little wren perched on the fence and sang his little heart out. I transplanted my Russian Sage from alongside the house to the front flower bed. I fertilized my lilac and gave my geraniums a dose of chelated iron. The peaceful morning was exactly what I needed.

 The past week has been an interesting one. My husband took some well-deserved time off. We were looking forward to a time to unplug, relax, and do little or nothing.  

 But then, we got some sad news. A friend of ours contacted us that her eighty-five years young mother was taken by ambulance to the hospital. She was a woman that loved life. She was healthy, still in her own home, in sound mind, and took care of herself. She went with her daughter on a Sunday afternoon to visit some family. As she walked up to the house, her foot caught, and she fell and hit her head. By the time her family rolled her over, her heart had stopped. The paramedics arrived and were able to revive her; however, she never regained consciousness. My friend's mother went home to be with Jesus a few days later…all because of one step. A day after that, we received news from another friend. Her five-year-old nephew had passed away as a result of an ATV accident. The details were unknown and, honestly, irrelevant. But, the Truth is still the same…a family's life was affected forever… by choice, an oversight, a freak accident…or possibly by…just one step.

"Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil."

 Psalm 119:133

Every day our lives are full of steps; many are simple, and we seldom give them a thought. Others can lead to years of heartache, struggle, and disaster. What path are you on today, my friends? There is more to being a Christian than just having fire insurance. It's wonderful to know we will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. But, He has so much more for us than blindly marching forward in our own strength, ability, and understanding. The God that spoke the universe into existence knows you by name. He loves you. Our Heavenly Father created you to be you and no one else. He has a plan, a road map for your life that is intended to bless you and give you purpose. All it takes is one step. It is a step of surrender and obedience. It won't be a blind leap…just a step. He wants to speak with you. His voice is found in His Word and in spending time with Him daily.

 I encourage you to quiet your mind and thoughts to hear Him speaking.

The time will come for all of us when we live one last day on this planet. Instantly we will be face to face with Jesus Christ. There will be no more chances, no more excuses…only Truth. A great curtain will be pulled back, and we will see our entire life. What will our Creator and Savior say?

The answer is up to us. It is all determined by…one step.