TAKING A TUMBLE

I love to ski. I’m not a great skier, but I’ve taken lessons to improve my skill, and I enjoy nothing more than a blue-sky winter day on the slopes. I’m always exhilarated by the breathtaking view of the mountains as I glide down a gentle, tree-lined path on fresh, powdery snow. Crisp mountain air smells better than regular air; it’s cleaner somehow. And the vistas are breathtaking. Sometimes a ray of sun touches the snow-covered tips of distant mountains and seems to set them on fire with its glow.

But at times I get so caught up in the enjoyment of the moment that I forget to pay attention to what I’m doing. My ski tips get crossed, and down I go into what skiers call a Face Plant. Yep – I land face-first in the white stuff, and my skis and poles go flying in all directions. It’s not fun. Sometimes it hurts. You can bet that when I get back on up on my skis I’m more careful to focus on the task at hand.

My Christian walk is like that sometimes. I educate myself by studying the Bible, attending church, and praying regularly so I have the knowledge and skill I need to navigate successfully through the world in which I live. But sometimes I get so caught up in my circumstances I get distracted. Then Bam! – down I go, flat on my face. It’s no more fun than a Face Plant. I forget to follow the advice of the writer of Hebrews, to fix my eyes on Jesus instead of being distracted by my surroundings.

No one likes to fall. But when we do, God promises that He will help us up, and support us so we can continue the journey. If we listen closely, He’ll point out the beautiful views we can enjoy along the way.

PRAYER: Lord, guide each step I take today.

“We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” Hebrews 12:1-2 NET.
Today’s devotion is by Virginia Smith, the author of over a dozen Christian novels and more than fifty articles and short stories. Her newest book, Third Time’s a Charm, is the satisfying conclusion to the Sister-to-Sister series. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.VirginiaSmith.org.