So, we survived the snow and ice. On the one hand, it wasn't as bad as "Snowmageddon 2010" in which people were stranded in their cars overnight - thank goodness! But there was not a lot of snow where I lived - much more ice. Saturday I made my way up to the church -avoiding all the places I thought might be on a hill or in the shade. After arriving safely, I looked around at the grounds. Some places were clear, but there was a lot of ice on the sidewalks and the road way behind the church.
 
Over the years I have been the kind of person who resists calling off Sunday worship for any reason - but this past Sunday I could envision folks slipping on the ice and getting hurt. Also there was no way for us to get it all cleaned up before Sunday morning. Interestingly, I have not had one church member complain yet of us not having worship this past Sunday - though some of our members from up north chuckled at how we react to snow down here in the south.
 
So, is it better in life to "play it safe" or to be a risk-taker? Playing it safe can reflect a certain amount of wisdom, but it could also result from a lack of courage. Being a risk-taker could demonstrate the willingness to be bold - perhaps even to step out in faith and trust God. But sometimes risk-taking is simply being foolish - endangering not only your own well-being, but the well-being of others.
 
So which is it? Well, I think, like many things in life, this is one that requires a degree of balance and discernment - knowing when to wait and when to go boldly. It is not always easy to decide which is best - if it were then this would not be a problem. As Christians, we not only get direction from places like experience and the wisdom found in scripture, we are also promised God's Holy Spirit who lives within us and provides the guidance we need in life. So, may God's Spirit guide you today in whatever decision you have to make!

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, as we face decisions in life, help us to know when to step out in faith and when to wait. Make your way clear to us. We pray this in the strong name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.