When I was thirteen I was absolutely confident that I was on top of things. I knew everything there was to need; sure, I was learning more everyday, but that just added to my confidence. The arrogance of that period knew no boundaries. I borrowed other people's property, confident that I deserved the opportunity to experience a motorcycle at speed on a rural college campus. I jumped at the opportunity to plow, disc, and then plan the fields in corn or alfalfa while my experience in driving and farming was measured in months not years. I tackled projects with abandoned.
In hindsight, with the benefits of a few more years and a daughter the same age, I sit in stunned silence and awe of my parents. I had no idea of how close to the edge I walked. I doubt I would have listened at the time, but the risk remains. I was on the verge of total failure more than success at any given moment.
Looking out on the day and coming week, I wonder what has fundamentally changed. I am still confident and brash. I argue now that I have the experience and knowledge to make these types of decisions, but that is the same argument I used at thirteen! There are decisions I must make; I wonder if I realize just how close to the edge I sit. You are no different, modify the scene, adjust a few variables, and we sit in the same place. We are far closer to the edge than either of us realize or are willing to admit!
God is sitting beside you and I, wanting to reach out and assure, guide, and nurture. My observation is that we should abandon our arrogance (confidence) and “hold tight to good advice; don't relax [our] grip. Guard it well – [our] life is at stake!” (Proverbs 4.13)
I know you and I are still on the verge of something risky, yet great. Life is like that. The key is to be there with God; everything hinges on this one relationship.
