I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking.

Immersed in taking pictures of my grandson, I was consumed with scenery, posing, and what everything was looking like through the camera’s eye.

I was in the middle of a shot when, all of a sudden, I realized my right foot was on fire.

I looked down to see a mass of small, black ants swarming all over it (and, yes, I was wearing sandals).

I had stepped squarely into an ant hill.

The photo shoot was abruptly paused as I feverishly spent the next several minutes swatting away a few hundred ants.

As we resumed taking pictures, I was definitely more aware of where I was stepping.

The Scriptures encourage us to be careful where we walk. It’s a truth that reaches far beyond simply knowing where to put our physical feet, though.

“…see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people], making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 AMP)

How are we living our lives? Are our days filled with meaning and mission? Are we making the most of every minute we’ve been gifted on this earth?

Walking carefully, in this sense, has everything to do with purpose. Daily choices that we make to follow God, be a part of His family, and actively join with Him in His Kingdom mission this side of eternity.

In a world that minimizes the value of marriage, are we intentionally cultivating and fostering our own? Are we safeguarding our marriage covenants in a way that make God smile?

In a culture that idolizes busyness, are we being obedient to God when He calls us to be still?

In a society where our kids can learn all the ways of the world on TV, are we purposefully modeling what it looks like to truly be a Christ-follower for them?

These are just a few examples of what it means to walk carefully. Purpose where we step; be intentional regarding the path we choose to follow; and allow our lives to reflect the heart and love of our Savior.

“So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get.” (Ephesians 5:16 MSG)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!