crossing the line

(I swore I would never tell anyone this happened... but it's just a good illustration!)

Crossing the line

Earlier this year, I spent several days in Vancouver, British Columbia helping represent our company at a large gathering of YMCA professionals from around the globe. It was a wonderful and invigorating experience, but by the end of the week I was just plain tired.  This fact no doubt contributed to the misfortune I experienced after landing in Los Angeles to change planes.  I exited the plane, misunderstood how close to the end of the terminal I was, misread the directional signs and too late realized I had left the secure zone.  There was no bright line on the floor, no flashing light to get my attention…just a subtle sign sitting on the edge of the walkway. At some point I crossed the line…and had to start all over again.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—“ John 14:16

We rightly hear a lot about slippery slopes, domino effects and dangerous precedents.  Not every life situation has a red line that delineates acceptable behavior from sinful behavior.  Sometimes the only way to know for certain that the line existed is to be on the far side of it.  Other times, as you walk toward it, you get a sense that something is wrong… that there is a “sign” just out of your line of vision that could help guide your way. The Holy Spirit is indeed there, is your advocate and will make you aware if you are listening!

Thankfully I had time to enjoy the fresh air of LAX, and go through security screening a second time.  Thankfully God allows us to get back on the right path anytime we’re ready!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 22