Daily Wisdom 03-16-2002 Bogged Down

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Bogged Down

Imagine swimming in a lovely pond surrounded by the beauty of nature. Floral bouquets fill the air, as does the sweet scent of newly mown grass. A tiny green frog jumps in at the ponds edge; he too, is enjoying the warm glow of the summer sun.

Swimming gracefully, your arms move like those of a seasoned ballerina. All is well with the world, and a sense of peace permeates your entire being.

Without notice, a strand of thick seaweed brushes against your leg. "Odd," you think, "I don't recall seaweed ever being here before." And so, you continue to swim on, paying little attention to each green feathery fiber that now clings to your limbs in much the same way lint gathers on a wool skirt.

Before long, your legs can no longer flutter through the water as well because the weight of the seaweed has become so great that movement is now hindered. Suddenly you panic and wonder how you could have been so blind to not see the danger before you.

Thankfully, you are able to free yourself before anything life-threatening occurs, but, scared and shaking, you vow to be much more cautious when swimming.

Think of how often the same act occurs in our lives. We get so involved in work, socializing, and family life, that it is easy to get bogged down with dozens of small stresses. Alone, the stresses are easy to cope with, but when multiplied, become as a heavy weight upon your back which not only have the capacity to pull you emotionally and physically down, but to also carry you farther away from God.

Life can indeed be sweet; as pleasant as that summer swim in the pond, but let us also keep our eyes open to the potential dangers around us so that we do not find ourselvesin the danger zone of separation from God. Sin can creep up on us as subtly as a snake slithers in the grass, and a too full schedule can turn our heads away from what is truly important; our walk with God.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr