|
 On
North Morgan there is a shady swimmin’ hole surpassed by none
(that is, if you discount the natural hazards of ticks,
copperheads and cotton-mouth Moccasins). The rocks are warm; the
water icy-cold; and the cliffs ruggedly uncluttered by TV
antennas. On a hot summer day, one can lie beside the murmuring
stream and fill his mind with peace...
And
because it was reclusive, the family picked that setting as the
ideal campsite for our vacation. We cautiously
trekked our way up old, rocky Indian trails, which paralleled
the clear water and arrived at the secluded campsite. Actually,
we rode in an air-conditioned camper truck and, upon arrival,
had to remove paper plates — but the road was rough!
I
had in mind catching up on some writing at this feast of
tranquility, but I had forgotten the demanding distractions of
parenthood. For instance, the first day was filled with
swimming, hunting squirrels, exploring, treating sunburn and
scratches, etc. When night came, it brought a cool, gentle
breeze from the creek and I retired to the upper bunk with pen
in hand. THERE IS NO PEACE IN A CAMPER WITH THREE, SMALL,
SUN-BAKED, THIRSTY, TIRED CHILDRENI
Actually,
a secluded campout with the wife and children is not the place
for concentration. While we never vacation from our faith, there
are times when we need to shut the world out and be a family —
to be together; to play together. If one attempts the tedious
task of writing, he finds the vacation to be painfully
distractive. Each is needful,
|
|
in its own time and place; but this was not
the time for writing. I laid my pen and paper aside and
concentrated on the family. And I filed a mental note that may
help us all in making life’s decisions. It is possible that
temporary distractions may become eternal hindrances.
One
man chooses a profession. He is well suited for his selected
work, and advances quickly both in prestige and benefits.
However, this blessing becomes a fearful distraction when he
learns of Christ’s love for him which would compel him to
believe and be baptized (Jno. 14:15: Mk. 16:16). His dilemma is
real, for his work demands his full time and he cannot worship
on the Lord’s Day. He must now decide between transitory
distractions and eternal treasures. A man must make a living, he
reasons, but is a living more important than life?
A
young maiden is intoxicated with the love of a young man. Even
though he is not a Christian, she believes that she cannot live
without him. She, therefore, marries convinced that he will
change — the chances are greater that he will not. Many, many
times lips which once cooed tender nothings spit forth
prejudices and sarcasms. And, even if the husband does not
actively hinder her discipleship, there are constant, subtle
attempts to distract her from her faith which make life in
Christ difficult and frequently unbearable. The choice between
family and God is never easy.
And
distractions may eventually become our
idols. Jim
R. Everett
[Previous
Article]
[Next
Article]
|
