The High Road

There was only one way to describe the temperature: frigid. With freezing rain pelting our special riding gear, it was impossible to tell we were on the island of Maui. Hawaii was supposed to be all about sunshine and warm temperatures. But on the summit of Haleakala in February, cloud cover and cold temperatures ruled. 

My husband, Steve, and I had scheduled what we thought would be a fun, sun-filled day of horseback riding into the crater of Haleakala National Park. Our guide would lead us down, into the crater, through amazing landscape. We'd enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back up the mountain. The ride was supposed to last approximately five hours - including our stop for lunch.

As we began the descent over the rim of the crater, it was impossible to see due to the rain. With the wind blowing the tiny ice crystals into our faces, we were thankful for the rubber raingear provided by our guide. Our horses seemed unaffected by the cold, and followed the lead horse without hesitation.

When the icy rain changed to a cool mist, I was finally able to pay more attention and take in the scenery. And I made a discovery. Although my horse, Sully, was following the guide's horse, when we came to a section of trail where there was an option, Sully took the section of trail with the higher incline. I thought it might just be a coincidence, but every time we came to a place where he had a choice, he repeatedly took the 'high road.' He never stumbled. And he was able to maintain his footing while walking down the steep mountain.

I couldn't help relating his behavior to my decisions in life. When I'm given the option, do I immediately select the high road, or do I settle for following the status quo? The truth is, I have to be aware of the consequences of my actions and carefully think through how they'll affect not only myself, but others as well.

Just like my horse, Sully, was leading the horse and rider behind him, I also have people who look up to and follow me. While I understand that perfection is impossible, am I doing my best to make choices consistent with a life lived for the Savior?

The Apostle Paul spoke about this very subject to the believers in Thessalonica. He encouraged the Christians to do some things: build each other up, avoid quarreling, comfort the frightened, rejoice, pray, and be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18). He also warned them to avoid some things: laziness, and situations which could draw them into evil.  His words serve as a good reminder "Abstain from all appearance of evil," (1 Thessalonians 5:22; KJV).

It may not be possible to avoid all evil, since I live in a sinful world, but the next time I'm faced with a decision, I'll remember Sully, and choose to avoid temptation and take the 'high road.'

What about you? What step will you take to avoid temptation and take the high road today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the many lessons You teach us through Your creation. Help me to remember that others are following me. Give me the wisdom and courage to take the high road when I'm tempted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Nuggets of Truth

The pace of life can get hectic. It's easy to miss the God-stops along life's journey. You know, the little ways God makes His presence known on a daily basis: the bumper sticker that encourages you to relax because God is in control, or the beautiful sunset that graces the sky in the evening. Time away offers an opportunity to regroup and evaluate what's really important. A chance to draw near to the Creator of the universe.

God's creation serves as a constant reminder of His presence. Visiting some of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches was no exception. From the glorious color of the water, to the sound of the waves lapping at the shoreline, I was reminded of the greatness of God, "The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land, " (Psalm 95:5; KJV). The book of Proverbs mentions God's wisdom when He created the oceans, "When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I (wisdom)was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him," (Proverbs 8:29-30; word in italics mine).

Taking in the beauty of the ocean from the sandy beach was proof enough of a mighty God. The life contained within the ocean was the icing on the cake. Donning our snorkel gear, we waded in to the salt water. A whole different world awaited us. Crystal clear water made it easy to see brightly colored fish of all shapes and sizes. Gliding slowly through the water gave us the chance to spot several sea creatures we would have missed had we been in a hurry.

Snowflake eels, green sea turtles, yellow tangs, and numerous types of parrot fish all welcomed us to their underwater world. I was struck by the beauty of the coral that offered both protection and food for the creatures we encountered. I was gripped by the thought that a person could be swimming in the same water I was, yet be oblivious to this amazing sea life because they didn't have snorkel gear.

Oftentimes I'm like the swimmer without snorkel gear. Enjoying only a portion of the blessings God has for me. Instead of continuing to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Apostle Peter instructs, I become satisfied with where I am, and begin missing the nuggets of truth meant for my growth.

Following salvation, God's will for me is to be conformed to the image of Christ. Something that happens over a lifetime. As I consciously allow God to direct the pace of my life, I'm more acutely aware of His presence on a daily basis. Growth requires effort. But the effort is well worth it, when it results in developing a close relationship to the Creator of the universe!

Are you so busy that you've missed the God-stops along life's journey? Will you take the time to seek God's presence on a daily basis? Be mindful of the nuggets of truth the Lord has for you and draw near to Him today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your daily presence. Forgive me when I take it for granted. Your creation points clearly to You and it's exciting to know that I can have a close relationship with the God who created it all! Help me to constantly seek the nuggets of truth that will help me to grow in grace and in the knowledge of You, so I can be all that You created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Different Is Good

I had been forewarned, but it was still shocking. The landscape could only be described as desolate and barren. Something that vaguely resembled pictures I'd seen of the moon. Vast, blackened lava fields stretched for miles in every direction. In sharp contrast, the beauty of the ocean reminded me that this really was Hawaii.

From the moment we stepped off the plane, I was aware of the fact that the same God who created the mainland, had created this island with its diverse landscape. A truly unique place, the Big Island boasts varied weather and vegetation depending on your location. Sunshine is plentiful on the west side of the island, with only 10 inches of rainfall a year. Compare that to the 140 inches of rainfall on the east side of the island, and you've just discovered the reason for the huge contrast in landscape!

The lava fields were unlike anything we'd seen before. With a strange beauty all its own, the hardened lava flow reminded me of the leathery hide of an elephant, or the growth rings of an ancient tree. After navigating a portion of unpaved road, simply referred to as 'Nasty' Road by our guide book, we had a deep appreciation for all the work that goes into developing this land and making it habitable.

The landscape wasn't the only thing that stood in sharp contrast to our state of Georgia, the wildlife also served as a constant reminder. From beautiful birds, to ocean animals, the photo opportunities were incredible. Colorful sea creatures and adorable geckos pointed to a Master Designer with limitless creativity.

The same is true of humankind. Each of us is created by that same Master Designer. "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them," (Genesis 1:26-27; KJV).

Each one of us is unique. Created for a purpose. The words of the Apostle John verify that purpose, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are created," (Revelation 4:11). When we use the talents and abilities God has given to us to draw attention to Him, we fulfill our purpose.

It's common to desire someone else's ability. But God gifted each one of us a bit differently for a reason. The Apostle Paul spells it out, "For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him," (1 Corinthians 12:14-18).

God's creation is diverse. Rejoice in the way He created you, using your talents and abilities to make much of Him!

Are you satisfied with who God created you to be? Will you use your gifts to magnify Him today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You today, for the awesome Creator You are! Thank You for the beauty and diversity of your creation. I'm thankful for the way You created me. Forgive me when I desire to have someone else's abilities. Help me to use the unique gifts You've given me, to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.