Wet Leaves

It was during this time of year I received the warning.
I had been a new driver for a few months.
It was the season of falling leaves.
Be careful driving on the wet leaves, was the continuous refrain.

If I heard it once I heard it a thousand times.
Wet leaves are slippery.
Driving on wet leaves can be almost as bad as driving on ice.
I paid attention to the warning with a healthy dose of fear.

I drove carefully remembering all the warnings I received.
The pile of leaves I loved to jump in as a child was now something I needed to be careful of.
The leaves that cascaded down from the trees could become a potential ice rink when wet.
I was skeptical but did not want to take the chance.

At this time of year, I always remember the warning.
I remember the wet leaves when I go to get the mail.
I remember the wet leaves when I bring the trash cans into the garage.
I remember the wet leaves when I am on my morning walk.

I saw the leaves that neighborhood children raked into large piles.
It brought me back to all the years when jumping into the leaves was so much fun.
I was tempted to walk through them and throw some in the air but thought better of it.
As I looked at the rain, I wondered what those piles of leaves look like now.

I was not the only one receiving the warning concerning the wet leaves.
It was actually on news radio this morning.
The transit authority was warning commuters about the wet leaves.
The wet leaves were causing delays on the regional rail lines.

I was trying to imagine how the leaves would be a problem but it was soon explained.
When the leaves fall on the tracks they are crushed by the trains riding over them.
Those crushed leaves, when wet, make the rails slippery and the drivers extra cautious.
Passengers were being reminded about the slippery wet leaves as they get on and off the train.

The warning is real.
The potential dangers are really there.
It is wise to be cautious.
It is important to be proactive.

I have Bible study in my home and I remembered the warning.
I was out there with a broom before all the women arrived.
I wanted to make sure the paths were clear.
In the pouring rain, I wanted to be certain that their feet would not slip.

I am not a fan of slippery ground.
Even though there is beauty in figure skating, it is not for me.
Being tall, it is too far to fall to the ground.
Not having the greatest back is another concern I have.

I would much rather have sure footing.
I would prefer to be on solid ground.
Even when I clean the shower stall, the wet floor can be slippery.
It is wise to know where we are putting our feet.

Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts come iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance…Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence…When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God then I understood their final destiny. (Psalm 73:1-10,13,16,17)

Asaph, the writer of this psalm said that his feet almost slipped.
He lost his perspective when he constantly watched the prosperity of the wicked.
He saw that everything they had and everything they did was wonderful and carefree.
He decided in his mind that he kept himself pure in vain.

He despaired thinking that he was somehow missing out.
It surely seemed that way.
The wicked had all the fun.
Or so it seemed.

His perspective finally changed.
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me…
Till I entered the sanctuary of God then I understood their final destiny.
Till I entered the sanctuary of God.

His perspective changed when he took his eyes off others and put his eyes on God.
With his eyes on God he realized that it was they who were on slippery ground.
He had been on sure footing all along.
It was they that were on a slippery slope to destruction.

His eyes had been on the wrong thing.
He almost slipped.
The Solid Rock kept him steady.
His feet were firmly planted on the immovable Rock.

Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever…As for me, it is good to be near God. (Psalm 73:25,26,28)

It is good to be near God.
Away from God, we are on slippery ground
Near God we on solid ground.
Look at the wet leaves and remember the warning.