Footprints in the Snow

This past weekend, Wade and I piled our two boys on a cheap, plastic sled and gave ‘er a go at the top of some neighborhood bunny slopes.  It was thrilling for the 4 and 2-year-olds who live for excitement, laugh at danger, play with reckless abandon, and frequently need/want Mom’s therapeutic kisses.  Would a mama of littles want it any other way?

After moving as much as we have to places like Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio, I’ve grown more accepting and appreciative of various topography.  Even still, I’m aware of how very flat the fertile farm fields are here in comparison to where I grew up in Eastern Kentucky.  With educator parents, everyone in our house happy-danced for falling snowflakes and the certain accompanying snow-days.  In true hillbilly form, sledding typically involved a questionably placed bonfire for real thrill and necessary Black Diamond skill level.  Industrial grade tubes, pizza boxes, trash can lids, or rusted “antique” sleds carved paths down our steep slope, and delight was only dampened by the occasional neighbor’s broken arm and the long trudge back to the top.

As I’ve been watching my youngest struggle to walk in the deep snow, I keep trying to teach him to step where others have trekked.  The snow is beaten down and the path is more manageable for his little legs.  I remember my own father teaching me this simple lesson.

Sometimes I struggle to move forward in my own life—to break habits of seemingly stagnant faith, incorrect prioritization, or chronic unnecessary busyness.  As adults, it’s not our short legs that are preventing the steps, but our short-sightedness of what truly matters in this life.  Even with such preventative knowledge, sometimes I’ve followed in the wrong path and have headed in incorrect directions or even circles.

Our eyes need to be focused on where we are going to make a journey successful.  I’m talking about to the “Mountain Top of Spirituality:” to live godly, holy lives and pursue Heaven daily.  May our hike be to Heaven verses the alternative…

If we are truly pursuing God, then we must follow The Way… Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  He is our greatest example, most perfect teacher, and only hope!  When God became man and lived among us, He studied at the temple, was baptized, fasted, prayed, honored his mother and father, fed the needy and clothed the poor. He was kind, merciful, good, and loved all.  Every step he took was in line with his Father’s will.

I’m blessed—we are all blessed—to have so many worthy examples of those whom have taken steps along the RIGHTeous path before us…those who have followed Christ.  There are countless individuals to whom we can look for encouragement in this life, who have and who are currently on the trail.

The question has been asked, “What would Jesus do?”  Today, I’m suggesting that we “Go where Jesus went.”  Go and love on people.  Go away to pray.  Go and worship the Father.  Ultimately, let’s all go Home together.  May we follow in the Most-Worthy’s footsteps….and may we bring everyone along with us!

Keeping the words like honey,

Neena

Referenced Verses:

  • Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NAB
**Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash

Author: Neena

Neena is a Kentucky wife, mother, and beekeeper. Her first novel, THE BIRD AND THE BEES, is a Christian contemporary romance available now. Visit her at wordslikehoney.com.

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