“Make sure you don’t forget your homework!” Make sure you have your lunch! Make sure you watch the traffic! Make sure you wear your coat! Make sure you say please and thank you today! Make sure you’re nice to your teacher and friends! Make sure…make sure”…can you hear the echo of your mother’s voice from childhood years when she sent you out the door? It’s not that mom’s liked to bark orders (well, maybe SOME did) but giving those reminders was part of her duties to raise a child who could be a responsible adult some day.

I found another voice that said “make sure”. His name is Paul, the apostle. In his letter to the Thessalonians he wrote “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” I find it interesting that he used a firm command in the beginning of this sentence…”make sure”…only to add later “always try”. What did Paul know? Did he have some previous experiences with these folks to remember how they slipped up with their behavior? Were some of them hard-headed or rebellious? I tend to think the answer is yes. Better yet, I’m pretty certain Paul knew these Christians weren’t always loving, unwilling to  always be kind, and needed reminders, just like a child going out the door requires his mom’s constant instruction. Paul–and moms–full of wisdom, having lived beyond the years of a child or a new Christian, know that “Making sure” isn’t going to happen all the time. So, because failures WILL happen Paul introduced the idea of “at least try”.

Can you hear those words echo in your mind? “Try to ride your new bike. Please. One more time. You can do it. Will you at least “try” to like John even though he bugs you? Will you “try” eating broccoli again? Will you “try” to forget what happened the last time you played with Kathy?

Unlike the “at least try” memories from childhood, Paul’s directions for “always try” go deeper than new bikes, pesty friends, and strange foods. They penetrate the very core of the heart. At least, for me, this is true. These two simple words–“always try”–are really quite an unattainable goal for me, even on my best days.

Paul’s guidance? “Always try” to be kind to everyone. Notice, it’s not only those people you get along with, but um….everyone. Everyone. Did you hear it? Did it click yet in your brain? In case you missed it let me say it again–everyone. Did I hear an ouch?

I don’t know who your “everyone” is that affects your ability to exercise kindness and love. However, I do know my own and must confess I’ve got some “making sure” and “always trying” to do every day. At the end of each day– and more importantly at the end of my life– when I meet Jesus to face-to-face– I want to hear His voice…the echo of His loving affirmation with a simple yet profound “well done” My faithful one. When you were unable to “make sure” you “always tried”.

I learn a lot about life from roads. I live on a paved road which makes my husband very happy when it comes to maintaining the upkeep on our vehicles. But not far from us, especially if you go north from our home, the gravel roads become the majority of travel. These are the roads I use to take long bike rides during the weeks of warm weather  stretching from May to late fall.

The bike I ride is half my age. It belonged to our kids. By no means is it  in mint  condition and while it certainly is in need of some minor repairs, it serves me well. I guess the roads are like the bike. They, too, have areas that need some maintenance but  other than some small holes, cracks and bumps, they are holding up to the variety of vehicles that use them every day.

Today, during a ride I made my way up a familiar route to add mileage to my workout. At one intersection I encountered a “road closed” sign. Well, that’s for cars I told myself and kept pedaling. As I rode along the well maintained gravel road I began to wonder why the road was closed. All appeared good to me. In fact, this particular gravel road was quite smooth. After I climbed a familiar hill my eyes saw the answer to my pondering. Where a small bridge with a culvert is constructed, a huge hole was in the center of the road. Anyone driving a vehicle and not being aware of its presence would be encountering a very unpleasant experience with the possibility of losing a tire. I, on the other hand, being on my bike navigated the blockades marking the hole with great ease.

How does today’s ride and others teach me about life? I’m constantly reminded when I encounter bumps, cracks, ruts,  or hills that my life isn’t always smooth. Knowing that though, I equip myself for situations and circumstances much like I do for a bike ride. Before leaving the house, I make sure there’s air in the tires, that my brakes are operating and no debris is in the chain or spokes of the wheels. I always wear a helmet and a bright-colored shirt. My water bottle is strapped to my waist and my cell phone is tucked away–mainly to track my workout but obviously in case of an emergency.

Most mornings I equip myself for the day by eating a good breakfast, spending time reading scripture and talking to God. Many mornings I don’t do all the talking; I allow Him to speak to me instead. I know there are a lot of areas in my character that are bumpy, cracked, maybe full of dangerous holes that only He can come along and fix. I’m good with that because my God is a good, good Father and is far more smarter and wiser than I could ever imagine. I am resting assured that He is equipping me, bringing me to maturity and teaching me to stand firm while He does the work. His work in my life gives me hope and great excitement although I realize the finished work in me will not be completed until I am welcomed to my heavenly home. As long as I don’t put up  any road blocks to the work that He needs to do in my life I am on the right path. And maybe,  I will not encounter too many big holes on the paths I choose in my day-to-day activities and decisions. If–and there is really no “if” to it….I create my own mistakes or hardships,  my prayer is that God will put up a road block to keep me protected–and that I’ll have the ability to navigate through  when the time is right and all is well.