Oh, Deer!

Okay, I'll admit it. Sometimes I'm not the most patient of drivers—especially when I feel like I'm running late, which is quite often. Living in the country means we get to enjoy the local wildlife, and at this time of year, it's more local then we'd like.

I was stuck behind an out-of-state SUV, who was stuck behind a work van that was enjoying his coffee as he putzed along our rural highway. We rounded a bend, and knowing the road as I do, I was ready to let my heavy foot fall and zoom past the slow pokes. But another feature of autumn out in the country, is the abundance of grain trucks. So, instead of stomping on the gas, I gnashed my teeth—for all of five seconds. Why only five seconds? Because a doe and her fawn darted out from the woods and raced across the road. Well, let me rephrase that. The doe trotted while the fawn slipped and slid along behind her.

Mr. Coffee drinker probably ended up wearing some of his coffee, but if I had been passing him, as I planned, there would've been a nasty wreck. As it was, all four of us laid on our brakes and the deer crossed safely. It served as a reminder to me to me that it's time to wake up and watch for deer.

As I (slowly) cruised along, thanking God, I realized I that I needed to change how I drive through life. Racing, trying to get ahead, or to make up for lost time, may end up costing me more time in the long run, and it could jeopardize my family and those around me.

Some stretches of the road are notorious deer crossings, and being aware of them gives drivers an edge by being alert and prepared. That preparation may well make a huge difference in our lives. Hitting a deer isn't always damaging—we've hit many over the years, but we know the damage they can do. Just like sin can damage lives.


Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:8

Not being aware of my surroundings leaves me unprepared for those sudden surprises that pop out at me—like deer crossing the road, and sin lurking in the bushes. What do you do when sin jumps out of the trees and starts running into your path? Are we sitting ducks? No! Here's Paul's advice:

Put on the full armor of God, that your may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
~Ephesians 6:11

Being equipped with God's armor gives us an edge, enabling us to deal with sin that runs at us. We're not sitting ducks unless we're unprepared. Being alert and prepared can save us from mishaps and accidents, not to mention out of sin.

Buckle on God's armor and drive safely!

6 comments:

  1. What an amazing analogy. Rushing is SO easy - feel like I've been doing it all week - but that alertness makes all the difference. Great stuff, Peejers!

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  2. love the pics..it's deer season up here too.
    I'm one who tends to rush into things too quickly also. Thanks for the reminder to be patient.

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  3. Anonymous2:42 PM

    I am ALWAYS rushing through something. What a reminder for me.

    Near my home in NY - we live right near the beach - deer hang out around this time of year. One year my sister and I were driving and a deer JUMPED OVER MY CAR.

    It was horrifying. So this one hits one with me.

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  4. Living in Ohio, we have more than our fair share of deer so we know what they can do and where they can be (anywhere!). This is a good analogy, Peej. Very vivid images!

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  5. Incredible and wise teaching with an analogy I won't ever forget. Thank you for sharing this.

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  6. Central PA is notorious for it's deer crossings too, especially around here where we live. Dan can always see them, but I never do and pray hard when I have to drive the back roads.

    Good analogy Peej. I was blessed by your post today.

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