Starting each day sure‑footed

Wandering the world, there is simply no other way

sure-footed (adj): not likely to stumble, slip, or fall; proceeding surely; unerring: his surefooted pursuit of success

I'm sure that all of you have heard the phrase sure-footed — to go forth with confidence, being sure that the steps you take pose no risk, and that they will be in the right direction.

No one but God knows what each day will bring exactly ...

As many of you will know, I travel a great deal with work, going to many countries and cultures. Every first trip to a country means learning a new way of getting around, dealing with customs, and getting in and out of airports. Even within my job and sphere of colleagues there is a league of nations, and again I have to learn to deal with different 'norms'. This can be interesting, exciting, humbling, and challenging. As with most jobs you can only achieve your goals with and through other people.

There are times when I get tired, and it's not the obvious bodily tiredness. Rather it's the mental tiredness; the slight shift in rational thinking and emotion; I become irritable and critical, and start to imagine the worst of other people in their dealings with me. If I send emails at these times, they usually result in bad outcomes in my relationships with people.

Whilst a good nights sleep is the first remedy… when I look back on these days, I note that these usually coincide with a period of 'not spending daily time with God'. Getting so caught up in activities and not making or allowing time to read God's word and talk with Him… and then the inherent guilt of not having done it, means I have spent a few days of not entertaining God in my life at all.

But there is hope, and God continually calls us back to himself — I take comfort that He does keep his promises to us.

I was challenged in a recent service my daughter took me to — that "if we're not praying, we're not dependent on God".

It's important to take time every morning to start our day by reading a short passage of the Bible. We have so many resources to hand (print, web, radio), there must be some way to fit it in; and commit our day to the Lord. Talk to him throughout the day, and He will guide all our steps.

Here's to walking tomorrow in a more 'sure-footed' way….

Sue Smith