As I reflect back over my life I become conscious of so many things I have forgotten about what I did, or what happened to me, and who was involved in all of that during my childhood and youth. It seems that as one matures in the living process the more one is aware of the no-longer-ness of the days of yore. I do not think this is a bad thing though.

I remember serving for some time as a Safety Patrol Guard for a period of my years in what is now known as Middle School. I wore the white belt around my waist and across my shoulder, and I thrust the STOP sign at the traffic when it was time for the “younger” kids to cross the street. I read about the rules of safety, and of course I practiced them.

As we grew into young adulthood we became aware that there were things one simply did not do in order to be safe and other things one always did to ensure safety. I clearly remember the arrival of auto seat belts, and I wore them instantly—not in order to be safe, mind you, but so that I could be stable in the driver’s seat when I drove recklessly.

I truly believe that God is better at keeping us safe than government is able to demand. We read in Sirach 2.11: ‘The Lord is kind and merciful; he forgives our sins and keeps us safe in time of trouble.’ True safety has nothing to do with signs and seat belts—it has much more to do with a relationship with Jesus Christ. YOU BE SAFE!