Craig Clouston

Pay Attention

If only you had paid attention to my commands.
Isaiah 48:18

As Wendy put her foot on the ice, Bridgette cautioned her, “I wouldn’t go out on the ice yet, Wendy. It hasn’t been cold long enough to be safe.”
“Oh, you’re just a wuss!” Wendy said and stepped completely onto the pond.
“There’s no ice in the center of the pond, Wendy!” Bridgette stressed. “It’s not as thick as you think! Don’t be foolish, please!” she begged.
“Aw, come on, it’s safe enough right here!” she chided and jumped up and down to make her point.
In the next instant, they heard a loud crack. Fear and panic replaced Wendy’s bravado as she disappeared through the ice! She came up flailing and screaming, “Help!”
As Wendy floundered, Bridgette ran to the farmhouse. She was met by her father who’d heard her screams and come to investigate. Bridgette’s explanation came spilling out in a terror-filled voice. Grasping the situation, he turned and ran to the barn, grabbed a rope and sprinted for the pond. Hollering to Wendy to keep treading water, he hurriedly tied the rope to the dock, secured it to his waist, and crawled out onto the ice. As he neared his frantic daughter, the ice gave way. Swimming the remaining distance, he grabbed Wendy, then using the rope, slowly pulled them back to solid ground. Once she was safe, he verbalized his displeasure, “Now you know why I told you to stay off the ice until I said it was okay. Next time, pay attention.”

†

It is my belief that God would like us to pay attention. But being the self-sufficient people we are, we set out on our own when His instructions don’t lead in the direction we’re headed. We foolishly tell ourselves, “It won’t happen to me, I’ll be fine!” only to find out too late that it happens to us all at one time or another.
God is not a domineering Father who doesn’t want us to enjoy life. On the contrary, His commands have a purpose meant to protect us from ourselves and others. But free will being what it is, keeps God from enforcing our obedience.

Prayer

“Lord, Help me understand that Your commands are meant for my own good and not the demands of a high-handed Father. Amen.”