Look Before You Leap (05/30/2026)

This week my husband wanted to help, so he carried the laundry basket to the laundry room for me, and he threw in the bath towels from the rack just outside the shower. I didn’t notice he did that, but I did notice he was done in the master bath, so I went in to get showered and dressed for the day. I hurried because it was getting late, I jumped into the shower, got all scrubbed and shampooed, and reached for my towel. No towel! So, I stepped onto the rug just outside the shower and shuffled on it to the linen closet 10 feet away. I guess I should have looked before I leapt into the shower.

We can shift to automatic in our lives, not really taking in the things around us, the changes, the pluses and the minuses. Frequently, we muddle through without incidence. Other times, we realize we should maybe slow down, make sure we have what we need. That comes hard for me because I am a notorious “rut person.” I do the same thing time after time. And over time, I fail to recognize changes, needs, etc. “Stay alert” I told myself after my morning shuffle to the linen closet.

Later, as I reflected on my early morning problem solving, I thought about how I maybe am not paying adequate attention to other areas of my life such as my relationships with family and friends and relationship with my Lord. We can go “automatic” in these essential areas of our lives, as well. Am I paying better attention to my husband than to the towel rack I passed on the way to the shower? Am I considering before I begin the day the things I need to be spiritually set for what is ahead? I prayed to the Spirit for help in staying alert and aware in my relationships.

God writes straight with crooked lines. I love the way He used my husband’s thoughtfulness and tethered it to my lack of attention to help me see a need in my own life and actions. Jesus told us to “stay alert.” I appreciate the reminder. I hope it’s the last time He has to remind me, but something tells me He may to refresh my memory and incentive again.

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us stay alert and aware of what is essential for our journeys. Let’s look with eyes wide open before we leap. Do we have the essentials?

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.