This morning I left the house early to spend time on the North Fork of the Nooksack River. It was a cool 17 degrees, which could cause you to question my sanity, but that's what dedicated winter steelheaders do. Or desperate ones. When the sun finally hit the water, it made for a beautiful morning. I love watching the bald eagles perched in trees by the river or soaring over the water.I probably walked several miles seeking the elusive steelhead, which is an accomplishment in rubber hip waders. Graceful, I am not! The river banks of the North Fork are mostly rocks; in sizes from pebbles to 8-10 inches. I found I had to be very careful walking, especially over the larger rocks, because I was concerned I would tweak my ankle. If I looked too far forward, and didn't watch my where my feet were stepping, my stability was shaky. A verse of scripture came to mind: "Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." (Proverbs 4:26 NIV) As long as I looked for a level place to step, usually on the smaller rocks or between the larger ones, everything was good. If I became distracted by the eagles, or the river, or the snow-capped ridges, my steps would become unsteady. I only stumbled and fell one time, which I thought was pretty good considering how much I walked.
As we make the transition from 2010 to 2011, there may be a temptation to look a few months into the future, which is okay as long as it doesn't distract us from our walk with the Lord today. Seeking a level path is not selfish, it is smart. A level path doesn't always mean an easy or comfortable path. It's making the right choices and seeking to please God with each step.
This proverb is quoted in Hebrews 12:13, as the conclusion of a section of scripture (VS8-13) regarding discipline: "If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."
The discipline referred to in Hebrews 12 is designed to develop us, not destroy us. The Father is trying to steer us towards the level paths, where we can experience righteousness, peace and healing. I was hoping he would direct me towards fish today, but I did enjoy the beauty of God's creation.
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