Our city constructed a cordoned-off boardwalk along a road near an area of wetlands. At both ends of the boardwalk, signs warn, “Slippery when wet.” Those entering the wooden path had fair warning. In the middle of the special path, there is an overlook to pause and watch herons and red-wing blackbirds. Another bold sign at that spot again alerts people the boards can be slippery.
My husband and I chuckled about the redundancy. Since one can only enter the boardwalk from either of the two ends, walkers have already been warned. What good does a sign in the middle do?
But the truth is, when a path is hazardous, we might need another reminder. People are quick to forget; I know I am.
I’ve noticed the same need for reminders in my spiritual life. I know Jesus. I know He loves me. So why do I need all the repetition of prayers, hymns, church services, Bible reading, fellowship, sacraments? Because Jesus knows that I so easily forget. He has called believers to remember Him in various ways. When the path of life gets slippery, He reminds me to keep my eyes fixed on Him.
—Sharon Hinck
