After we left church a few Sundays ago, Gale and I conversed about various things while we traveled toward home.  As we reached Highway 84 our attention drifted toward a property that appeared to have been in a fire.  As we discussed what we thought had happened, I came to a complete stop like a good citizen is supposed to do before I proceeded to cross the wide road.  As I started to accelerate forward, she suddenly warned me to watch out.  It was then that I realized that a vehicle was approaching from my right.  Thankfully her watchful eye spared us from what could have been a bad situation.

It is amazing how short distractions can open up doors for huge problems to develop.  I had been watching the road carefully, but in a small amount of time with our minds and eyes on something else I became unaware of what was approaching.  With her being there to warn me of danger I was able to take action in plenty of time to avoid an accident.  I like what Ecclesiastes 4 says:  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has on one to help him up!” (verses 9-10, New International Version).

I recall many years ago as a young lad when I had been fishing in the pond on my granddaddy’s farm.  While fishing I caught a small turtle and decided to take it home with me.  It was not one of those silver dollar sized ones, but it was still small enough that it would fit in my bait can.  At the end of my fishing trip, I headed up the hill, through the woods toward the house.  With my fishing pole and bait can in hand (kind of like Opie on the Andy Griffith Show) I went happily along until I reached a barb wire fence that I had to cross.  Crossing fences was no new experience to me, but what I failed to pay attention to was the turtle in the can.  As I made my crossing the turtle twisted around enough to get his mouth latched on to my belly—and he did not want to let go.  I finally pulled myself free from the critter.  The bite caused a little pain but no real damage—except for the damage inflicted on my pride.  It was, however, a good lesson on watching more carefully what I was carrying.  It might also serve as a real life example of the benefits that can be gained from someone being present and willing to  warn of the dangers of foolish decisions.

After Gale raised her voice a bit to warn me of the approaching truck that I obviously did not see, she apologized for frightening me.  But no apology was needed.  Instead, I needed to thank her for being willing to alert me of danger. 

As we observe Valentine’s Day and focus on love, we do well to remind ourselves that one of the most wonderful gifts of love that we can give to another is the willingness to warn them of spiritual dangers.  Sometimes it can be uncomfortable to be warned of the disasters that we might be headed toward because of less than wise decisions that we make, but a little discomfort is worthwhile if it spares us from the pain and destruction that are the result of sinful choices.