When I was very young, I had a rebellious bit to me, when it came to wearing seatbelts. This was long before the use of booster seats, for an extra safety precaution and when sitting in the front seat when much too young, was still allowed. As a society, we did not know yet, what we know now. My dad knew I had hated being constrained by a seat buckle, though he still made sure I was always using one. However, there was a day I challenged my dad wearing a seat belt too much, and after this day, I never challenged him about wearing one again. My memory in detail is not perfect, as I was so young at the time. But it went something like this; there was a particular day that I had kept unbuckling my seat belt, as we traveled down the road. Somewhere along the line I must have sneakily kept it unbuckled just long enough while my dad was focused on driving, that he didn’t notice. I must have also fidgeted with the door handle. For I suddenly, found myself falling out of our moving car. My backpack had fallen out with me and I am not sure how it all happened, but my dad ran over my backpack. This is when my dad realized I was not in the car. He frantically stopped the car, thinking he had run me over. Only to then see that I was crying, on the side of the road. Though still worried, relieved that I was relatively okay. My face and other parts of me were pitted with gravel, though aside from that I was just fine, aside from being scared. Now fortunately we were on a small city back road and my dad had been driving fairly slow and not reckless. My injuries were mild. My dad I know felt horrible. Though after that day I never challenged my seat buckle again. If I would have just listened to my dad, I would not have fallen out. I would not have scared my dad so much. The whole ordeal could have been avoided, if I just listened to my dad’s instructions. Though despite my error, my dad was just glad that his little girl was okay. When we got home, my mom sat me down and lovingly tended to me. I was okay by God’s grace.

Although this event, seems so traumatic. It could have been so much worse. I am grateful that things were not. My lesson was learned. I share this story, because in some regards, the message is relatable. How many times has our Father, God, instructed us not to do something for our safety. Then, we rebelliously went against His instructions, only to be reminded why we should have listened to Him. Like our parents, who so lovingly guide and instruct us, God has set out many instructions on how to live. He does this as an act of love; to protect us and live as we are called to. Yet, He still is lovingly ready to tend to us when we mess up. My dad was not trying to make me upset about wearing a seat buckle, he was trying to keep me safe. Although I did not listen, he still wept and lovingly took me home to make sure that I was properly cared for. Despite my mistake, so much grace was shown that day from both God and my dad. Though the details are not perfect in my mind, the lesson is.

Life is filled with decisions. God has instructed us on how to live. He has given us wisdom. Like a good and loving Father cares for His children; He walks with us, instructing us on how to live, for our good. The question my friend is this; do we listen?

Erin Fitts-Brower

Proverbs 8:33-35 NIV

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.  Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.

Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV

Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.