While walking through the woods early Sunday morning I had a reminder of how important watching you step can be.  In the middle of my tromping in the woods I grew preoccupied with finding something unusual to photograph.  When I suddenly came foot to face with a rather ill tempered snake that reminded me how important a single step can be.  After my heart rate returned to normal I noticed that I had an audience.

       As I observed my observer I began to wonder what he thought of the strange dance he had just witnessed.  He watched me freeze as I looked in disbelief at the snake coiled at my feet.  Next I jumped about five feet vertically straight into the air.  Followed by a crazy tango after my feet touched the ground; it was certainly a sight to behold.

        As I considered my tiny green friend I could not help but smile and become a little embarrassed when I realized that someone was watching me in my fear and folly.  Then I recognize the cold hard fact that every day of our lives someone is watching us.  The steps we take today are important because they influence those who are watching.  We may be unaware that we are being observed, we may not ever meet those whom we influence, but we all carry an enormous influence on those around us.

        We remember our children’s first steps.  We remember the last steps of our loved ones.  Today, as you travel through your day think about the steps you are taking.  Let us lead those who may be watching us into a place we will be proud of.  Let us use the influence of our steps wisely because someone is watching us.  Where we step is a choice, so let us choose the right path.

Something to think about:

• The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

• The distance is nothing; it is only the first step that is difficult.

• Many of our fears are tissue-paper thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.

• Don’t be afraid to take a big step. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.

• The world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going.

• If you are satisfied just to get by, step aside for a man who isn’t.

• If some people would be a little more careful where they step, those who follow would not stumble so much.

The guy who does a terrible tango
Rickey Moore