We had record snowfall here last year ...but not record cold.

But, when it does get real cold ...certain precaution need to be taken, and there are certain things you do not do.   

Mom tells of a certain time when she was just a little girl.  I can't remember what her reason for doing it was ...but, she licked the shiny smooth ice on the metal pole of a swing.  

Her tongue got stuck, and I think a bit of panic set in ...and she ripped some of her tongue off.

Now, tongues heal very fast, thankfully.  Sadly, the things we say with our tongue do not always heal fast. Mom was rather good with watching her tongue ...with what she said.  And after this other incident, she didn't want to suffer another licking.

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The point is: There are consequences in life.

 Do we think consequences are fair??  It seems we don't put as much of a value judgment on certain things ...as we just accept that it is merely the way things are.

But, it seems nobody wants someone else involved in consequences that aren't just naturally forthcoming.
                                        
And I want to make it very clear ...that I don't welcome observing anyone else's struggles.  I don't adhere to the statement: "They merely got what was coming to them!"  If I got what was coming to me ...well, quite accurately, I'd end up in hell.  

Of course, Jesus died on the cross ...so that all who not only believe, but are appreciative of that fact ...can be saved from that outcome.  

That consequence is an extreme one ...which our Lord doesn't wish for any of us.  Milder consequences though ...often serve as part of the learning and maturing process.  And we all need redirecting ...just as we don't allow ourselves to be redirected away from God.   

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Yes, I find no joy in hearing people say that others reap what they sow ...but, that is not to say it is the final harvest either. In sports, we often hear, "There's always next year!"

As Christians, we should be able to say, "There's always our next breath!"  

Yes, likely there will also be tomorrow.

But, maybe not.

Sometimes the small consequences are effective in redirecting us away from the bigger ones.

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