One Sunday morning driving along a beautiful lake I recognized that I was feeling serenity and gratitude. That is a renewed experience for me.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, an object of my idolatry appeared. In surrender, I looked up at the beautiful green tree leaves, thanking God that I don’t lust after trees.

Just then, from the other corner of my vision, hopped a black bird across the street. A bouncing crow was God’s way out of temptation.

I giggled, then laughed, and the sunlight shined in. I am grateful that I don’t lust after light, trees, or birds and God provides a way out for me as I surrender.