"Cow Trails"

Passage: Ephesians 5:15-16  “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-not as unwise people but as wise making the most of the time because the days are evil.”

I grew up on a farm.  It was a very small farm but still a farm.  We had at most a couple of milk cows, a horse, chickens and sometimes a other animals.  One of the most interesting things I remember about our farm were the trails made by the cows as they would make their way through the field and up to the barn for daily feeding. 

No matter where the cows were in the field, something in their cow brains would lead them to the “trail” about feeding time.  Over time, the trail became deeper and more pronounced.  If we ever went into the field, we would go ‘by way of’ the cows’ trail because we knew it would be free from stickers and other obstructions. 

The funny thing about the trail was that it was not straight.  It was usually a little curvy and winding.  Something unseen to us caused the cows to make a trail where they did.

Now we have to believe our brains are a little more sophisticated than a cow’s brain.  We do have instincts about many things but are given the ability and responsibility to choose our options. Like the cows, we can continue to walk in the same paths developing habits whether good or bad that make it easier and easier to follow.  If the habits or practices are good that’s wonderful.  If they are harmful to us, that’s a little harder.  Like the scripture in Ephesians says we have to pay careful attention to how we walk.  This is of course not speaking of how we walk (like with good posture, etc.) but rather paying attention to our decisions and thoughts. 

To make the most of our time we have to be deliberate where we walk.  Choosing to make time for Bible reading and prayer will not happen unless we make a habit (trail) of a daily walk.  

Lord, we know our weaknesses and defaults to self lead us down trails of unhappiness and destruction.  Give us wisdom to make wise choices and develop habits that honor You.