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Warning signs … Who has time for them?

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Have you ever noticed that warning signs seem to be meant for everyone else … but not ourselves?

My most obnoxious warning signs come from inside my Edge. Those little “dings” and red emojis (I’m sure they have a real technical name) don’t look like I think they should. Finally when I remembered to ask my husband, he knows exactly what the symbol meant. 

To me the low tire pressure looks like a stringed instrument King David might have played. What that has to do with tire pressure, I’ve no clue.

I was doing some research on a project and skimmed over a thesis paper a UofA student wrote about risk and warning signs for the Buffalo National River. She investigated what age people read the signs and obey, and who don’t. She interviewed people about which sites they thought were dangerous, and which were OK for all ages and levels of skill. It was her conclusion that Park Rangers needed to post signs in specific places to warn the public that the rocks can hurt you and it is possible to fall off of a slick wet bluff.

It’s just like the “wet floor” or “hot coffee” signs. We see them, and just keep on going, or try to drink a hot drink too fast!

Have you ever been in a situation you wish someone had “warned” you about? There have been times I wish I would have known to bring tennis shoes and a light jacket. I appreciate a heads up, or a warning that the trail is all rocks, or a building feels like a polar bear lives there.

Just this week I was driving to Eureka Springs to do a story on Blue Spring for our upcoming Ozarks Magazine. I had already left later than originally planned, and all of a sudden I got the dings and the harp symbol. Everything felt like it was driving OK, so I just made sure I didn’t speed and kept both hands on the steering wheel in case I had a blow out.

Now, I know that was not very smart … but I’ve never claimed to be brilliant! Why can’t a warning just go away if we ignore it?

God’s Word is full of warnings we should never ignore. “And it is appointed for man to die once, but after this the judgement,” Hebrews 9:27. Once our heart stops beating, we have entered eternity. One of two places. One with God or one without. Once we’ve crossed that threshold there is no going back or changing our minds. That’s why the Bible is so full of warnings, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.” II Corinthians 6: 2b

Sometimes we prepare for death with life insurance. (Why do they call it that?) We aren’t alive when we get to cash it in? Anyway, sometimes we listen to our doctors when they say, “Stop smoking. Your lungs look like the inside of a chimney that’s never seen Mary Poppins.” (I promise, I’ve never had a doctor tell me to stop smoking.)

What about a sign that says “15 mph” on a curve you drive every day? Ah … I can handle this curve faster than 15! Yes, I can … but what about the person coming at me who decided to text at that moment? (I make no promises here.)

Warning signs are there for our good. God has lots of wisdom and warnings in the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament and James in the New Testament.

Oh my goodness. Sharing information can be a good thing —  a warning to not miss a sale going on at your favorite store. Or make sure you visit Blue Spring while you can still enjoy the beautiful Ozarks. That place rejuvenated my tired soul. I love walking in the woods —  especially when it’s a nice cleared trail. The flowers, trees and the sound of that beautiful azure blue water. And the historical aspect just fascinated me. I will be going back to spend the day!

I did get home safely and went to Hudson Tire the next morning. A little wire had punctured my tire and caused a slow leak. I told the gentlemen who repaired the tire that God took care of me when I had driven to Eureka and back the day before.

I totally understand that God is under no obligation to protect me when I don’t heed the warnings in front of me. So I’ll try to stop and check the tires the next time I see King David’s harp. Just make sure you are ready for the eternal life we get after this one.




 

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