You know, I may need to rethink wondering around in the mall by myself at Christmas time. It is not generally something I do a lot during really busy times anyhow. But I do sometimes tend to get a stubborn streak and think I can still do all the things I used to be able to do without consequences along the way.
I remember the first time I went into the mall by myself after my vision loss. It was a crazy-busy Christmas time day. My mom dropped me off at the entrance closest to the store I wanted to go to. I was walking slow, just trying to get to and from without running into someone or falling. There was the general jostling of people in general for this time of year. People would just appear in front of me on my left side, which is the side with nearly one hundred percent vision loss. By the time I got to the store, made my purchase and got back to the entrance, I was a wreck. I just do not do crowds very well.
This week, before I came home from my adventure we went to the mall, well, two malls. The first mall I was wondering around on my own while my cousin was looking in a store. There was this kiosk outside the store with little crystal balls. I went over to look at them, not really planning on purchasing one. I attempted to pick one up and realized (too late) that the bases were all chained together but the balls were precariously perched on top of the bases. Well, I jostled one, it hit another one that rolled off the stand which started a chain reaction. I was holding one, four of them rolled off their stands. I managed to hang on to the one I had and catch three of them. The fourth one crashed to the cement tile floor! Short version, let’s just say I bought the busted one, which was not one I would have bought if I was looking to do so. Ah consequences.
Then in the other mall I kept running into and falling into these really low display tables. Who in the world thought a display table at mid-calf level was acceptable? Seriously? My lack of field vision got me about three times there. I think I may have dislodged a “wet floor” marker also. Then I walked into the wagon right beside me once also. Yes, it was on my dark, left side. It truly is the things that we do not see in our path that cause us to stumble.
King Solomon writes about carefully watching your step so you do not stumble in Proverbs 3:22-25. In previous verses he shared that wisdom and understanding were very important in creating the heavens and the earth and that we should keep them close to us and never let them depart.
Beginning in verse 22, Solomon writes that wisdom and understanding should be life to the soul and kept with grace and elegance to the neck. I would almost see that as like having a soft, warm scarf wrapped around the neck.
By keeping wisdom and understanding close to the soul it assures that the way will be safe and there will be less chance of stumbling. By doing so, when lying down, in times of rest, there will be no fear, and sleep will be sweet.
As those that follow Christ, the challenge in this scripture could be seeking wisdom and understanding that will make life go smoother and keep us from stumbling.
To apply this scripture to our lives we could deliberately utilize the wisdom of God’s Word and practice the precepts within every area of our lives to make sure that our steps are smooth.
My faith is strengthened when I realize that if I lean in to God’s wisdom and seek understanding, God will guard each of my steps and keep my pathway smooth.
Lord, I am in awe when I consider Your loving kindness. I love the way that You share Your wisdom when we seek it. I pray that You will guard my steps, fill me with understanding and keep me on the path that is smooth so that I will not stumble.
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“22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. 23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. 24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Proverbs 3:22-24 (KJV)
“And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.” Zechariah 10:12 (KJV)
“When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.” Proverbs 4:12 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 