“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Graduates… I’m thinking of you in this moment of transition (yet, this speaks oh so powerfully to us no matter our stage in life). Each day presents us with the need to “keep our feet,” some days more dire than others, to be sure, but a reality nonetheless.

Because life can be, well… dangerous.

You know, it really is one of those words that carries different meaning depending upon the context and the person. In some instances, danger is something to be avoided due to the inherent risk of peril. In others, danger opens the door to possibility.

Some seek dangerous opportunities.

Some avoid the dangerous for the comfort of the safe.

But, times come our way when the “dangerous” is at our doorstep and we have to step out that door. Graduates: that time is here. The door is open and you must step out. Life has to change.

Maybe, as you face this moment you feel the excitement of the reality that the world is at your doorstep. Perhaps, as you peek into the unknown, you are wondering how this scary world can hold anything good for you.

What should you do, no matter your feelings, as you step out?

Keep your feet.

Meaning to mind your steps. Be careful in your journey, purposeful in each foot fall.

Keep your feet.

Remember your solid foundation. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. ²⁵ Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. ²⁶ But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. ²⁷ When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Put first things first. A man asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” ²⁹ Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Dig your roots deep. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Have confidence in God as He works in you. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

I don’t know what “dangerous business” you are facing. I’m praying for you, as you face this next great adventure, as excited, nervous, apathetic of whatever it is you may be feeling! I’m praying for your journey as clear, unknown, exciting, boring, safe or dangerous as it may be ahead. Praying: God for all those facing this moment of leaving their door and heading into a new journey, may they be rooted in you. First and foremost in your love and saving grace through Christ. May they rest in your strength. May they rely upon your wisdom and leading. May they be comforted by your peace. May they be strengthened in faith in you. May you “keep their feet.” Amen.

~Jillene