My Feet Took Me Where?

Today as I was walking on the dirt road, I was grateful for the old habit of looking down as I walk because a small rattle snake was stretched across my path. Whew!

Watching my feet has been my habit since childhood. I was often reminded to “look where you’re going”, and “you can’t see much looking at your toes”, or “look around; be observant.” My mom loves to tell of the time I watched my feet climb right over the fence.

As a child, our front yard was fenced in. This was to keep us little ones safe from the cattle trucks, pickups, and tractors that drove in and around our farm yard. We knew we were not supposed to open the gate and go out by ourselves.  However, one day as I was walking, head down, watching where my little feet were taking me, I came to the yard fence. Mom was watching from the kitchen window, and she says I didn’t stop. I just kept watching one foot follow the other as I climbed up, over and down the other side of the fence. According to Mom, my head stayed down until I was out in the middle of the barn yard. Stopping abruptly, I looked up and around, and hightailed it back to the fenced yard as fast as my little 3 year old legs could take me.

I’m not sure why this habit has stuck all these years. I do it so unconsciously. When I am with other people I try to be aware of keeping my eyes up, but when I’m by myself I rarely think about it.

Now you’ve learned something new and quirky about me. 🙂

Did you know the Bible actually addresses keeping your gaze up?

Proverbs 4:25-27 says “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” ESV

This is wise instruction to remember. In our walk through life, we are faced with many trials and temptations. If we do not keep our eyes fixed on the truth of God’s word, we will surely stumble. Don’t even swerve towards that temptation!

What kind of trail are you on? Is it bumpy? Have you taken time to ponder the path you are taking? It is never too late to turn around and get back on the road that leads away from evil.