I spent a few days on the road this week. On one of these days I had the opportunity to visit the hotel swimming pool. As I carefully maneuvered the area around the pool I noticed the familiar yellow caution signs warning that the floor might be wet and slippery.

I thought about all of these caution signs that we encounter in our every day life. They warn us of wet floors, dangerous chemicals, construction zones and high voltage. They warn us to watch for animals, pedestrians, falling rocks and children at play. We are all taught to watch for these yellow signs warning us of potential danger or harm.

I thought how nice it would have been to have these caution signs at other times and in other areas of my life. How nice it would have been to have a bright yellow caution sign warning me not to make the bad decisions or poor choices that I have made throughout my life. How wonderful it would have been to have these signs placed strategically throughout my life warning me to avoid some of the words and actions that I have later regretted.

As I considered all of the times in my life that it would have helped to have these caution signs, I realized that I did. I recognized all of the times throughout my life that my Heavenly Father has cautioned me. He has cautioned me through the advice and warnings of my loved ones and through the still small voice of His spirit. It has been the times that I have not listened or heeded these warnings that I have found danger and difficulty.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and watches over us. He is mindful of us and wants to keep us safe from harm. He will warn us when there is danger in our path. He will send His spirit to let us know when we should “proceed with caution”.