Life is a Chance

I enjoyed being a kid. Every day would bring new adventures, and as my mother would say, "Getting into mischief." Mischief for me would range from pinging my next-door neighbor's hogs with a BB gun while they were kept in a pen, to playing with fire sticks and setting the woods next door on fire. We lived on a five-acre lot that was largely undeveloped. We had to use a dirt lane that ran close to a fence line and woods. It was a great place to find snakes, such as black snakes, water moccasins, garden snakes, and copperheads.

One of my best catches of the day was when I ran across a coral snake. A little thing, and the first time I had ever seen one. I knew it was a coral snake because it had a black nose. What I didn't know was how deadly they were. One little bite and you were history. It didn't occur to me that I should be afraid. I was just playing, having fun, exploring, and making discoveries. I was then told I probably shouldn't be playing with snakes, especially coral snakes, because I was taking a chance of getting hurt.

Since I have grown older, I now understand that, yes, taking chances in life can lead to bad things. Climbing a tree, riding my bike downhill without brakes, getting into fights, and getting caught stealing someone else's stuff. I was informed that the way in which I lived life meant there was a good chance I was going to get hurt or, even worse, someday.

I survived because God was watching over me. It was a full-time job. I am smarter now. I don't take chances. As I get older, life has a way of becoming more precious. God reminds me each day. I take each day as it comes and realize it is a gift from God.

As with everyone, our days are numbered. Since finding Christ, I have made Him my walking companion. He walks with me everywhere I walk. He provides me safe passage. I don't have to take chances anymore to enjoy life. Life is not a chance today if you invite Jesus to walk with you. Life with Him is a sure thing.

Just a Thought, Not a Sermon