Snow trails

This week, we are considering a fresh, new blanket of snow (the new year) and yesterday we discussed how we would have to decide which direction to go in. We have choices to make.
Today, let's think about the fact that as we walk across the snow, we will leave a trail for others to see. We will leave marks, footprints, as we take off on our hike.
Do you remember being little, and seeing footprints in the snow? The footprints always look much, much bigger than the boots that made them! Whether it's the depth of the snow, or the fact that the snow is melting, the footprints can look really huge!
And there's no way to disguise which way you went, is there? Those tell-tale footprints are there for all to see. Our kiddos always loved to see the animal tracks in the snow. We would see lots of bird tracks, and sometimes we'd see the tracks of a doe, with the tiny tracks of her fawn alongside.

We, too, are leaving a path behind us. A trail that is either positive or negative. What kind of trail are we leaving for the children who watch us? What kind of mark are we making with our lives? They don't have to be our biological children -- they can be the neighbors' kids or the kids at the church or the store. Are we leaving a trail that reveals we love them and care about them? Do we leave a path that shows we want God's best for them? Do we guide and sacrifice and discipline them? Or, do we show another type of footprints altogether -- do we leave a pathway of neglect or disrespect, a pathway of lack of patience, or a pathway of lax standards?

How about on the job? As believers, are we leaving a good trail there? Do we complain about our tasks, or show disloyalty? Are we only willing to do the bare minimum that's needed? Or are we hard workers with great attitudes? Can we counted on every time to be honest and fair? To put it in other words, do we actually act like real Christians? People are watching us -- we've said before that they are looking for something real!

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day:  I’d rather one should walk with me, than merely show the way; The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,  Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.And best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,  For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done; I can see your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very fine and true; But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do; For I may not understand you and the high advice you give, But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. (Edgar A. Guest)

A follow on to this thought is that our pathway will determine where others will walk. Just like when we follow someone's path through the snow -- it's easier in deep snow to step in their footprints, right? In the same way, there are people who will follow our trails in life. We can influence and impact others by the decisions and paths that we make in our lives. This is particularly true of brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents. If we live a consistently godly life, our family members will be more apt to reflect those same attitudes. If we are hypocritical, they may become bitter and perhaps even reject the Lord. If we are not honest, we shouldn't be surprised if they equivocate and tell "little white lies." If we are unforgiving, we should not be shocked if our family becomes unforgiving, too. They look to us, for better or for worse, for guidance, since we have professed to be Christians.

It's pretty serious, you know? Of course, ultimately, every person must be accountable for his or her own life. But we must be careful because we do influence how and where others walk.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. (Romans 14:13) 

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (I Corinthians 8:9)

May the Lord help us to walk in His ways and to please Him with the choices that we make this year!