Caution On The Slopes

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28, NIV

HER SANDY-BLONDE HAIR was whipping behind her, coming out from under her helmet and ski goggles. Her smile was a mile wide; her adventurous spirit was fully alive. My daughter had turned a corner on her ski game, and for a seven-year-old, she took dips and turns impressively. I was on her tail, laughing, letting her lead me.

She took me through a tight wooded path only traversed by daredevils, and we emerged from the trees on top of the mountain, on top of the world. “Let’s do it again, Mom!” she shouted at me.

“Let’s do it again, girl. You are crushing it,” I yelled back.

The second time, I let her take the wooded path while I took a wider path. We were still side by side, and I could see her through the trees as we bobbed and weaved through the snow. But then I heard a crash and a scream. A ski flew in the air, tree branches crunched, and my daughter crumpled to the ground.

Just then an angel dressed as a ski instructor came by and helped her up as I made my way over. With a wink and a smile, he told us the weather had taken a turn, and the snow was getting slick fast. As we got back on the slope, I noticed her helmet was pretty banged up and so was her pride. In a split second, she went from brave to bruised. In a moment, she had lost control.

It always happens in a moment. On the slopes, at the office, in our hearts. One wrong turn, one extra glance or lingering touch, one slight deviation from the path.

The Spirit says He will bear the fruit of self-control in us as we walk with Him and follow His lead. And our job in it all? To be wise and fortify the walls of our hearts, minds, and souls.

Are there paths in our lives where we easily lose control? Are there adventures in front of us that need some caution tape? Are there situations or relationships that we may need others to help us see the danger of? Don’t hear what I am not saying. I am not prescribing to stop adventures and traversing new paths, but to stay in control. To keep watch over your heart. To be mastered by nothing but the King.

Just like my daughter, I can often get caught up in the moment and take my eyes off the path. But one of the best ways I practice self-control is to fast from my desires. I need to pull back the lens and make sure nothing masters me so when I find myself in the woods, I am spiritually fit and ready to keep my eyes on the prize. Friend, self-control always looks good on us.

GRACE REFLECTION: One of the ways we can work with the Spirit to develop self-control is to practice fasting. Ask God to help you take a break from something in your life to fan self-control into flame.