First step…

I am blessed to live near a walking and biking path along a creek.  I often take Xena with me and when I do, it is less of a leisurely walk and more of a walk fast, stop, walk fast, turn around, stop.  Walk faster!

One afternoon we were enjoying the nice weather and came upon a man practicing his Tai Chi (or something like that.) It’s always so beautiful and graceful. He usually doesn’t break his routine when we approach but that day he did.

He told us he had just seen a coyote on the other side of the creek walking in the same direction we were. The creek was low and could easily be crossed by human or animal. I thanked him and Xena and I continued our way.  I found a thick tree limb that had fallen and picked it up and carried it like a sword ready to strike. We were approaching a part of the path that was covered with trees on both sides. My vision was limited.

I suddenly was walking purposeful with a steadfast gaze to the front, to the side and to the rear.  I was on high alert.

What changed? Xena and I had been aimlessly wandering around on familiar territory.  Suddenly, I was made aware of a potential danger that could come from any direction. I armed myself and prepared for battle.

Thankfully, we never saw the coyote and made it home safely. I was able to drop my weapon when I got into my neighborhood.

I started thinking about my response to the perceived danger.  I was going to protect myself and my beloved dog.  I was hyper-aware of my surroundings and I wanted to get to the safety of home as soon as possible.

As a Christian, I have a real enemy. He is always lurking nearby – prowling and waiting to devour me. Why am I not as vigilant with that enemy as I was with something that turned out to be nothing?

Most of my life I have spent wondering around without awareness of him and his intent on limiting me and my purpose in life.  He has attacked me with lies, busyness, loneliness, depression, and the biggest one of all – FEAR. All of which is to make me ineffective in living out my purpose – which is to reflect Christ and point people to Him.

Well, today starts a new chapter.  I am done procrastinating and listening to the lies.  I am done thinking that I can make no difference to anyone with my words. I am done thinking and thinking and thinking about writing and not writing. I am blogging with a purpose.  I am living out what I am called to do.

Beware, devil.  I know you are out there.  I am prepared.  And by the way, I know the final outcome.