Our eldest child was at school yesterday from 7:30 AM-9:30 PM. I thought it would be a bit of a break for him if I drove him to school this morning. In the 4/10 of a mile it takes to get to school and then another 4/10 of a mile home, this is what I encountered: many cars trying to go in all different directions and coming out of every alley and street possible, a construction area which was already being worked on, some tree trimmers with landscaping trucks, kids walking, kids on bikes, kids on scooters, one child on a skateboard and a few crossing guards. Whew! Just when I'd think it was all clear, someone would pop up in my periphery, causing me to adjust my course for safety sake. It is a good thing I was awake and alert. I'm certainly glad that level of awareness only has to last a few blocks or I'd be worn out for the day.

I'm reminded of the scripture from 1 Peter 5:8-9 which says,

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

It takes being alert to a whole new level. It reminds me to actively look around for ways I am being distracted or tempted. More importantly, it reminds me to pray in Jesus' name for protection and guidance. Sometimes our faith can seem like a list of dos and don'ts. It truly comes down to sticking close to Jesus. And in this, we find out how very loved we are. There is a presence sweeter than any other, which makes me want to cry out, "Better is ONE DAY in your courts, than thousands elsewhere." When my eyes are on Him, the enemy has no room to distract. When I am near to my Jesus, unimportant things fade away. I can rest. Who doesn't need a little rest? I'll take it!

(Lord, I want to see You today. Let all the unimportant things that come across my path fade from my view as I keep my eyes on You. Lord, I need you. I can't do this alone. I need Your strength and your direction. I need to know that You are with me. Amen.)