One of the tasks in the milkhouse is carrying out the crates that hold all the bottled milk. These aren’t light, so strong arm muscles are a requirement. As I watched a son struggling with a full crate, I noticed how he took extra steps to avoid tripping over a bucket that had been placed directly in front of the doorway. I thought it was interesting how he never took the time to clear his path to make his walk easier. He just kept avoiding it to get out – even though that meant awkward movements with a heavy load. Me? I would have moved the bucket FIRST – in hopes of smoother sailing with my heavy load. So, I wonder, which perspective is better? Or is it not really about one being “better”, but about what our focus is on?

Since I’m older than my son, I’ve experienced “falls” from not taking the time to prepare. But I could also say that I’ve had scenarios where I’ve spent so much time preparing, that I turned the entire situation to being about me, instead of what needed done. So, while I can see the wisdom in advising my son to clear his path first, I think I should also commend him for not allowing an obstacle to deter him from his task.

Father, thank you for giving me this moment with my son. Thank you for opening my eyes to the beauty of innocence in a world where the push is for our children to be mini-adults before they are ready.  In our urgency to complete the tasks before us, help us to learn how to clear the path to You, so that the obstacles will not hinder us from the REAL task, fulfilling Your Will, not ours. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Father, I echo Paul’s words. May Your Truth continue to make Itself evident to me as I search for You in every moment. AMEN