"It's Two Raccoons!"(Proverbs 16:18)

Our home has been invaded by raccoons!

The other evening, my daughter rushed into my room and exclaimed, “Dad! We have raccoons!” We quietly crept into her darkened room. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I peered out the window and two moving figures came into focus on the roof. Yup! Two raccoons!

For years, I thought the sounds I was hearing outside my windows were pigeons cooing. But as anyone with experience with raccoons can affirm, the raccoons make a sound something like a cross between a cat purring and pigeons cooing. In reality, the threat was far more sinister than I could have imagined. The raccoons had been gnawing on our satellite television wires, damaged several roof tiles, and left their calling card droppings on several key locations outside my daughter’s windows. In retrospect, it was also clear that these animals were responsible for shredding a cushion on one of our patio chairs and removing a barbeque cover. I ignored all of the warning signs because I made a careless assumption and was too self-confident in my own knowledge.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18 (ESV)

In my walk with God, I sometimes grow lax in my spiritual discipline and may assume that a particular situation poses little danger. Like the raccoons, situations I encounter may be masquerading as something far more insidious. A casual discussion with my staff can quickly lead to a gossip session about a fellow physician. A small tax loophole may become an invitation to take a more than generous deduction.  It is my pride and arrogance, believing that I am strong enough to resist these situations and not succumb to these temptations, that leads to my downfall.

Thanks be to God that He continually reminds me of my need to be continually dependent upon Him. With every decision, in every situation, I must first seek His will and direction before relying upon my judgment. Only then will I be able to live a life that is victorious and pleasing to God.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.