As my wife and I were enjoying a pleasant meal out a few nights ago we couldn’t help but over hear a young boy who belonged to one table conversing with a couple at another table – believe me we tried – but some folks just won’t allow that to happen.  It became clear that this youngster of about eight was a sports nut.  That’s what kept him so near, as our table was beneath the TV, and you guessed it, a ball game was on.  The couple he was conversing with refused to leave well enough alone and soon the conversation turned to the vile subject of NASCAR, and this boy knew every driver!  But one of the drivers – and for the life of me I can’t remember which one – was the little darling’s favorite.  He called him his hero.

Now you know, contrary to what Jeff Foxworthy may say, this little crimsoned-neck sweetheart wasn’t born with a racing form in his hand.  He had to be carefully trained in finding enjoyment in a bunch of decaled cars always turning left.  It’s really rather amazing what we can learn to long for, pursue after and eventually become consumed by, isn’t it?

Be careful how you live.  Someone’s always watching.  I’m guilty . . . guilty of expressing a little too much passion about the trivial (thankfully not NASCAR, but things equally as distracting).  At the same time I wonder, do I express the same or greater enthusiasm about spiritual matters?  I pray so!  Why does it seem that the weightier lessons in life are often much harder to take hold while the distractions in life appear to so quickly wrap us up like a wild vine?  I guess it has much to do with the “god of this world” knowing our fleshly nature as well as he does.  Creating a culture of distraction is easy for those consumed with self.

Be careful how you live, for little boys and little girls – any of us for that matter –  are so easily introduced to hell bound heroes.

Teach me Your way, O Lord!

– Dale