How Close Is Too Close?

 

  We loved visiting Yellowstone National Park! The scenery was spectacular! The number of active geysers and hot springs was astonishing! The wildlife was wild! Antelopes, bears, and bison were roaming the trails and fields. Iconically, we were stopped twice as herds of bison crossed the roads. It was exciting to see these incredible animals up close, but what shocked me was how many people got out of their cars to take pictures! Was I snapping pictures as they walked by? Absolutely, but from a safe distance inside my car. Parents stepped out with their children, trying to get that perfect photo op. Why would anyone put themselves so close to danger? I wanted to scream, "What are you doing? Get back in your cars!"

  I thought about this more later. I wonder how often God may be screaming warnings to all of us. "Hey, take a step back, turn around. This isn't good for you!" We know the dangers that can harm our spiritual relationship with God, and sometimes we risk getting too close and going too far. Temptation is everywhere! Often, we don't even recognize our own behavior as reckless because everyone else is doing it.

  This week, I'm going to take some quiet time to hear the warnings God has been speaking or screaming to me. Whether these behaviors are intentional or unrecognized, I need to see my life more clearly. My far vision might be pretty good, but my near vision could use a corrective lens. I don't need a wild life that teeters on the edge of danger; I'd rather be walking hand-in-hand with my Creator.

-Susan