I really enjoy seeing all the different animal tracks in the fresh snow we’ve experienced lately. For example, I rarely see deer anymore because of the construction next door, but it is abundantly obvious that they around. I love the way they lop through the snow leaving tracks about 1 foot apart. The snow around my flowering crab tree is completely imprinted with tracks, as the deer have probably been looking for food. I recognize rabbit and squirrel tracks as they zig zag through the snow. My dog, Marley’s little tracks are about 1” in circumference as she trots down the driveway. So cute! Recently, I saw tracks that I cannot identify at all. I think it might be wild turkeys, but again, I seldom see them now. If it is turkeys, their tracks look almost hieroglyphic. I hope I can post the picture I took recently. Some tracks seem to have a purpose and a destination, while others seem random. I wonder if these outdoor creatures enjoy just playing in the snow like some of us like to do. And recently, I recognized a man’s shoe track in the now, coming from my neighbor’s house. Later, I learned my friend was just walking over to see if my long driveway was passable. What a blessing he is!
These thoughts made me think of our own imprints, or tracks, as we go through life. Like the animals, some just amble through life, zig-zagging their way with no particular purpose or intention. Are others able to identify who we are by watching our actions; where we place our trust; what’s of the most value to us? What are our priorities? Where do we spend our money? Who are our friends? What words of kindness do we speak? Do we make an effort to share in others’ lives when they are lonely, sad, grieving, in poor health? All of these things speak volumes about what is truly important.
The Bible has many verses that help us know if we are following God’s plan for righteous living. Interestingly, one of the first verses I found is in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord, your God is giving you”. Some others are found in Psalm 119:175, “Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me”. Romans 1:17, ”just as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’, I Thessalonians 5:13 -20, “Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. Verse 21,“Test everything. Hold onto the good. Avoid every kind of evil”. Verse 23, “May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
I want to be more aware of how I am tracking in this New Year. How about you?