Bear Country

On our way up north to go camping, we passed a number of signs that said: "Bear Country: stay in your car."

I thought about those pioneers to these parts of Montana and how they must've been very courageous folk to face harsh elements, dangerous rivers and big, hungry grizzlies. It made my toes tingle just to step out of my car for a minute to snap a photo. Especially since I'd just heard about a hiker who'd been attacked by a bear.

Nowadays we've black-topped roads through these huge areas of wilderness. The roads are patrolled by police people and maintained by our tax dollars. Every crack and pothole is taken care of. Fish and Game people watch out for dangerous rogue bears. Trees and undergrowth are not allowed to grow back onto the road. One season of inattention would result in the wilderness reclaiming its own.

The roads are like our bodies: if not bathed, scrubbed, shaved, exfoliated, brushed, flossed, scented and lotioned, we'd soon revert to our uncivilized, hairy, smelly ancestors.

And like our bodies, our souls, too, require constant maintenance. Or else we revert to our old nature: mean, selfish, impatient, unthankful, unholy. Ick!

We need to care for our inside self, too: cut back the trees of moodiness, the bushes of grumpiness. Watch out for the bears of vicious talk and the wolves of voracious greed and envy.

Staying close to the Master and His Word will keep the "roads" of our lives groomed and sweet-smelling.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him

and He will make your paths straight." (Prov. 3:5,6)