In my Snowbird story, an open gate led to a bit of trouble. We had thought that our old horse was secure in her stable without having to latch the pasture gate outside.
And, seeing her opportunity, Snowbird left the security of the pasture "just to see" what might be down the road. It took her awhile, clip-clopping over a dam, through the woods, over a bridge, up a steep hill and around some dangerous curves. But she finally found the mischief she thought might be out there.
Our verse is a reminder to "mind our gates," as my husband told our girls. You see, if we go a-Sunday-driving just to "see what's out there" in the world beyond the safety of our own pastures, eventually we'll find the trouble that's waiting down the road.
The New Living Translation says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
It is far easier to stop at the gate than to turn around when you're three miles down the road, when you've set a course.
Maybe, for you that means being careful about the types of books you like to read. Steamy novels make my marriage feel boring and stale, so I've learned to stay away from them. Or, you may need to close the gate to having lunch with an attractive co-worker. Don't even walk down that road just to see how it feels. Don't spend your time in the mall if God has convicted you about staying on a budget. Going to a club with friends (just for the conversation) probably isn't a good idea.
And maybe we should think about the attitudes of our hearts that we should guard: humility, love, gentleness, teachibility, faith, hope and grace for others. It's so easy to open the gates to bitterness, anger, jealousy, hatred, and pride that before we know it, we are far gone.
Well, I've done it again. Gone long on the preaching. But I hope you'll think about Snowbird and the gates in your own life today.
Today's Small Thing is to print off or post up Proverbs 4:23 somewhere where you will see it for the next few weeks. Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your heart that you need to guard. He will give you the strength to make the right choices that will bring a well-spring of life to your journey.
POINTS: 50 for putting the verse where you will see it
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