Pennies At The Signpost

John 6:30 – They said therefore unto him, "What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? What dost thou work?" (KJV)

There's a signpost my dog likes to stop at on our daily walk. She sniffs around the post, the grass, and the big rock nearby, as dogs are prone to do. Sometimes, usually on weekends, there will be a penny or two glistening in the grass.

I can't say for sure how they get there. I rather reckon it's a revival of an old show of marksmanship where guys thought it was cool to pitch a penny at a signpost as they passed, usually from a moving car, and scored points if it hit its target.

To my dog, on the other hand, the signpost is a place to stop and discover anew each day. It yields all sorts of new smells that tell her many things and prepare her for other dogs she may meet who've visited the same spot.

Just suppose we compared this scenario to our spiritual life. Seeing Christ as our signpost — steadfast and with clear directions — do we take a hit and miss attitude towards Him? Do we sometimes toss out a prayer, and if it is answered to our liking, consider we've scored a point, and, if not — well, we tried? Do we offer thanks for each meal, when blessings are bestowed upon us, or only toss them out when we feel we can take the time?

Do we look for something specific, and not finding it, miss all else?

Or, do we see each day as a God-given gift — and greet it with the directions He gives, accept what it yields, live in it, love in it, and learn from it, assisting us to be prepared for what is ahead?

Prayer: Lord, help us use your word each day as our signpost for directions, and accept each day as it is given to us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.