Alert to the Dangers

It seems much more difficult to adjust to the “spring forward” change to Daylight Saving Time than to the “fall back” one. In large part that is because the idea of getting up an hour earlier is extremely unpleasant to most people. On top of that, most folks are already sleep-deprived. Nearly half of Americans say they rarely or never get a good night's sleep during the week.

That may not seem like such a big deal, but consider this. There is research that indicates the number of car accidents increases on the Monday after daylight saving time begins. Workers report more injuries on the job the Monday after the beginning of daylight saving time. In the days after the shift, heart attacks are also more common. When people are tired they are in danger.

The truth is sleepiness contributes to human error in variety of settings. When people are depleted physically, emotionally or spiritually they are at risk; and life is full of challenges, distractions, and interruptions that make it difficult to reach our intended destination.

A lot of people look for a quick fix. You can hardly get to the register in most gas stations without knocking over a bottle of “energy.” Others look for their rush by scratching numbers off a lottery ticket. A few experiment with drugs. Still others turn to pornography or extramarital affairs. It seems that people will try all kinds of ways to short-circuit the thrill of being alive.

When you tire on the journey to hope, you are most susceptible to temptation. It is so tempting to choose something that promises momentary pleasure; but that leads to long-term pain. That is one of the reasons the season of Lent is a time to consider the resources available to believers, especially when they meet resistance. There are so many things that interfere with your reaching your intended destination. Do you know where to turn when you need to refuel?

Let me encourage you to remember where Jesus found the strength to continue his journey to the end. He gathered his closest friends around him. He spent time in earnest prayer. He affirmed his total commitment to God’s purpose for his life. These are things you can do to faithfully continue your journey to hope.