Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

8/4/08

Wow, what a hot day today. I picked green beans in the heat until noon. Every time I'd move down the row thinking I had finished picking in that spot, I would see some that I missed and have to back track. I began to feel a spirit of complaint rise in me as I stretched to reach the beans, squinting as sweat ran into and burned my eyes. I grabbed at the cluster of beans and they came loose and fell to the ground through a tangle of vines. I gasped in dismay and suddenly choked as I breathed in an unsuspecting beetle who was having lunch on the leaf in front of me. I coughed and sputtered freeing the trapped beetle and retrieved the fallen beans, I realized my attitude was poor, I tried to smile and be thankful but, then blister bugs, who were holding a festival at my feet decided to climb my legs in droves. I danced about and jumped and slapped at them while my attitude quickly plunged once more. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions as I fought with the bumble bees, gnats, sweat bees, flies, blister bugs, and heat. When finally my task was done, I decided I'd earned a nice dip in my brother's pool.

However, arrival at the pool did not effect my mood quite the way I'd hoped. I found it to be the temperature of a Jacuzzi and the filter was clogged, I couldn't believe it, I was once again submerged in a steaming sea of bugs, although this time most of them were dead. Taking up the trusty net I began to scoop their sorry carcasses' from the water. I was well into this task when I came across a bumble bee who was struggling for his life. I actually started to feel sorry for him and rescued him from a watery grave. After depositing him on the side of the pool, he couldn't leave well enough alone and thought he should fly into me and down the front of my shirt. I'm sure he meant no harm but he might as well have shot me. I completely lost it, shirt and all, and the little bee ended up a casualty of my spazz attack.

I finally just draped myself over the side of the pool, I was tired, hot and frustrated. I stared off into space and stopped thinking for awhile. When my eyes came back into focus they settled on a bright yellow flower standing all alone on a patch of barren ground. The stark contrast held my attention and I straightened up taking in the sight. I couldn't help but smile and my attitude began to brighten. What a witness, this little flower, how strong and brave. It was growing right where it was, even though it's surroundings were grim and harsh. It had no friends to stand with it, it stood alone, straight and tall shining forth in beauty. It's head did not droop but looked steadily upward beholding the sun and reflecting it's rays. It gave no evidence of fallen spirits, no complaining attitude. It seemed to sing it's happiness and even danced a bit when a breeze whispered through, seemingly, unaffected by the merciless heat. My thoughts now went to Matthew chapters 5 and 6. Jesus tells us to consider the lilies of the field. He also directs us to let our light shine that others may glorify our Father in heaven. This flower was glorifying God by being the best flower it could be right where it was, by trusting God to provide for it's needs and happily living it's life reflecting His Sun.

My attitude now had a major tune up.

Blessings to you my friends as you weather the heat and pests that assail you each day.

May we all put our faith and trust in the God who created this flower and gives it the strength to stand, knowing that we are of far more value to Him, for He has "graven us on the palms of His hands."

Bonnie Morsette - 8/4/08