The woods were still except for the sound of wind blowing through the frozen trees. My snowmobile had just quit with no signs of wanting to start again. The trail I had been following had led me deep into the thick tag elders which in summer would have made it all but impassable except single file on foot. But now in the month of January with over three feet of snow on the ground and the underbrush of summer gone the machine had cruised through with no problems. At least until it sputtered to a stop.
I sat on the seat wondering how I was going to get to the meeting place. I was supposed to rendezvous with four friends near the Tilden Mine and from there drop down into National Mine and party at my brother’s house. It would have all worked pretty well if I had stuck to the regular trail at least then I could have hiked out to the road with no problems. Now by taking this short cut I knew I was at least two miles off the beaten path and making my way through the deep snow was not possible. Either this beast of a machine needed to get its act together or I would have to back track a mile then on my trail. Either way without snowshoes I was in trouble.
I pulled on the old Ski-doo’s crank cord a few more times…. nothing. Lifting the hood, I examined the two-stroke engine. Immediately I found the problem. The gas or the gas tank must have had water in it. The carburetor seemed frozen. Not a big surprise with temperatures no higher than 20 degrees all day and without maintaining this old buggy like I should it was certain to spell disaster and this was the day.
Sitting back down I thought I had a solution. Reaching into the storage compartment under the seat, there should be a can of starter fluid. A few squirts of it into the carb should help melt the mixing bowl. Then all I had to do was bleed the line a bit. If I could get it fired up, I could make it back to camp. Great plan but the can was not where it was supposed to be. Slamming the seat down I remember where it was. Sitting in the shed where I had placed it the last time, I had a tough time starting the snowblower. Great! Well at least I had found the bottle of whiskey I had stashed there. I unscrewed the cap and took a pull. I hadn’t checked for tools or starter fluid. I hadn’t done any maintenance on the snowmobile since last winter, but I did remember to bring booze.
Just like me, I thought. No preparation, taking short cuts with a rig that was sure to break down eventually. Now sitting in the winter woods with little prospects of rescue or retreat. I sit drinking. Yep, another fine mess you have gotten us into…
How many times have you taken what you thought was a short cut? You didn’t think it through, it just seemed like the easier choice. For me short cuts were and even though I hate to admit are still too often a way of life. Unprepared and unequipped I blunder forward without giving it a second thought. Then find myself lost! If you can relate then here is a little exercise that I have tried to use and more often RuthAnn helps me use when I am about to jump into the wilderness of thought or deed unprotected. It is simple but also effective. It is called prayer.
Maybe you are saying, “Wait a minute, buster! I am a praying person!”
Hey, I know, I know. So am I. But do I or do you listen and abide by this simple Proverb:
“Commit your work to the LORD, and then your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Yikes! Short but powerful, right? Before I start my task do I:
“commit my work to the Lord?…”
Do you?
Here is my answer:
No not often enough!
You can put an answer there and if you do every time, I guess you need read no further. But, if you, like me, are not praying before leaping into any task then maybe it is time we slow down and consider a few verses that the Holy Spirit can bring to mind in our time of need. Here is what the Spirit led me to:
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
If we are always aware that anything we do is supposed to bring glory to God through not us but Jesus Christ, than it should be a regular thought before we put a pen to the page, meet with that client that is so troublesome, or try to take that short cut that leads to nowhere.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
If we now know we do all to bring glory to God, then we no longer have to fear the judgement of man. We can work heartily or with a full heart and mind. No reward we get here will suffice. But also, there are no short cuts to standing one day in the presence of God.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Finally, each day, maybe each moment I have to claim this. If I am assured that I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me then there is no reason start any task without claiming HIS strength.
Back in the winter woods, God saved me even in my stupidity and disbelieve. After deciding to try to walk out. I was met by a hunter who was following the track of a snowshoe rabbit then saw my tracks and got curious who would be out in the middle of nowhere. We got my machine going and I made it out with only slightly frozen toes and went on the continue my ‘short cut’ ways without much thinking. It always amazes me looking back now, how many times God has saved me from myself. Today I no longer wish to short cut his work in and through my life. I pray you feel the same. If we recall to do ALL to his glory. If we work with a full heart and mind, not rushing or trying to please others. If we know we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Slow down! Seek him first and he will do the good works in us all!
Blessings
John
8/17/20
