Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have seen (Proverbs 22:28).
DECISIONS
La Isla del Espíritu Santo is located at 33 Kilometers on the south eastern boundary of the Bay of La Paz (Mexico). On one occasion I went with my family to La Lobera, a community of sea lions that lives there. Once we were out to sea, the guide told us the importance of not going near the rocks, since that’s where the sea lions were, and they could become agitated if we invaded their area. Suddenly, in an extraordinary way, the lions began to swim beneath us. We could see them playing while they looked at us with sideway glances. But the current began to pull me and, when I was very close to the rocks, one of the male sea lions threw himself into the ocean and, deep down, I could see the huge mammal draw an imaginary line in front of me. So the guide said: «What the male does is mark the boundary line for as far as you can go. You must not cross the line he has indicated, otherwise he may attack you.» I was amazed as I observed the male who, again, went into the ocean and retraced the imaginary line. This time the guide warned me more firmly: it is time to go back. The male has insisted on pointing out the line and he could get angry. You cannot go beyond what he has allowed you to go.»
The way the male sea lion defended the females and the offspring that morning on the island taught me a profound lesson: life has limits. We must not surpass the limits of nature because it can cost us very dearly. It is also not a good idea to go beyond the limits that our parents have set. However, many young people tend to despise the standards that their parents have instilled because they consider them anachronistic. But be careful, the boundaries are there to protect you and keep you out of trouble.
Whether it is food, work, friendships, or relationships with the opposite sex, we must not go beyond the limits. That which is a delight today, can turn against us if we do not respect the boundaries that have been set. And that’s a very healthy thing, believe me.
There, swimming in the midst of the Sea of Cortez, I looked up at the sky and reflected in the way I personally relate to the heavenly Father and how He decides to protect us, precisely through the limits.
Today, ask the Lord to help you respect the limits He has given you.