Listening to Warnings

Not long ago, I was out running errands with my kids. As I drove along, they rough-housed in the back seat of the car, tickling each other and wrestling. Even though they were both cracking up, I knew from previous experience that if they got too rowdy, someone would end up hurt.

“You guys need to settle down back there,†I warned them, “Or someone’s going to get hurt.â€

And sure enough, within the next minute, my son was crying.

He’d gotten poked in the eye by accident.

If only they’d listened to my warning, I thought.

Even though to them, it might’ve sounded like I just wanted to stop the fun, really, I warned them for their own good. Because I love them, and I didn’t want to see them get hurt.

And that’s how it is with God.

Sometimes He gives us warnings–through others, through scripture, through events in our lives–and He does it because He loves us. He only wants the best for us.

Recently, as I was reading a devotional, I came across this verse in Ephesians 5:15-16, and it really struck me:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.â€

I don’t know about you, but especially lately, with both of my kids in elementary school, I feel time flying so fast that my hair almost blows as it whizzes by.

And it makes me want to take that warning in Ephesians seriously.

Instead of rushing around doing errands, is there a friend I could meet with or call? Have I talked to my mom lately? What about my sisters and brothers?

Instead of obsessing about all the items on my to-do list, how about sitting on the floor and playing a game with my kids?

Instead of wasting time on things that won’t last, why not fill it instead with something meaningful?

I want to think about that verse in Ephesians 5 and remember how precious each day is.

And I do want to make the most of every opportunity. And every moment.