Posted on by Cindy Lee

First Steps – December 21, 2020

A couple of weeks ago, my son and I were doing some yard work.  It was a cold day, so I covered up with the exception of my face which was exposed.  As I was putting the finishing touches on trimming our pampas grass, what seemed like out of nowhere came this immense pain on my nose.  It felt like someone had punched me repeatedly in the face.  I couldn’t see anything on my face to be the cause, but it was throbbing.  As it turned out,  I had been stung four times on my nose by yellowjackets.

I was stunned and shocked.  Frankly, I was angry that they stung me. Thinking I was going to show them, I immediately went outside with some wasp/hornet spray.  As I sprayed the area, thinking I was about to return the favor, I was stung two additional times above my right eye.  As I ran from the area, my son said he could see them following me and at least four or five yellowjackets on my shirt. Nonetheless, I gave up the fight, went inside to lick my wounds…and take a Benadryl.  

Once my swollen face returned to normal size, I had these reflections:

  1. One cannot see all potential danger. I’m sure there was a nest somewhere in close proximity to the pampas grass; but I didn’t see it nor could I find any resemblance of one. True in life, some of the potential dangers are unknown and come without warning; therefore, it is better to be prepared beforehand. Spiritually speaking, cultivating your faith with daily disciplines can weather potential dangers.
  2. Sometimes it is best to just leave things alone and go in another direction.  My male ego and pride told me that I could “teach those yellowjackets” a thing or two.  Yet, round two didn’t go in my favor and only resulted in further pain. Though we can’t see all the potential dangers in life, we can react in ways that are helpful or healthy.  Our reactions to people and events oftentimes inform us of our heart’s disposition.  
I think John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules are useful here.  First: Do No Harm. Second: Do Good. Third: Obey the Ordinances of the Church. React by doing no harm – React by doing good.

I hope you don’t stumble upon a yellowjacket nest.  Better still, I hope you respond to potential dangers with the help of the Oxford Don, Mr. Wesley.  

 

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – 2 Corinthians 11
  • Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 12
  • Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 13
  • Thursday – Matthew 1
  • Friday – Matthew 2
Please Pray for:
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

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