Bugged

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 KJV).

When it sounds as if a volley of ice cubes hit my back door, I know who has come to call: a bevy of June bugs.    

And they definitely bug me. I usually hide when I know a June bug snuck in the house; fleeing—and screaming—serves me well when it comes to any kind of big bug. 

Difficult people, on the other hand, rarely quiet down when screamed at. Nor can we always avoid those bent on obliterating our peace of mind. Sometimes we need to respond.

With God’s help, we can remain peaceful; why should we allow anyone to steal our peace? We can choose to be calm; we can choose to speak soothing words that heal instead of hurt. 

At times we are the agitated ones in need of a sweet response. Like a refreshing rain shower on a hot day, a gentle reply cools us off and calms us down.

When June bugs come a-calling, I avoid opening the door. Likewise, God can help us guard the door of our lips so that only kind words come out.

Waterfall Ways

“After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:5 KJV).

Humility is a waterfall. Innumerable drops of water flow together, never minding that they blend rather than stand out, never concerned whether passers-by notice the stirring sight or not. And every drop seeks the lowest spot.  

Jesus personified humility when He washed His disciples’ feet. He could have ignored their need; He could have told them to clean their own feet. Instead He willingly washed away the grime. And not only did He serve the ones who loved Him, but He served the one who would betray Him with a kiss.

Imagine washing the filthy feet of someone who despises you. Maybe that water felt warm and comforting. Perhaps Jesus tenderly patted dry the feet of Judas, symbolizing that the Savior of the world loves all men and longs to meet our need.

Like a waterfall, humility bends and quietly lowers itself without a fuss. Humility neither boasts of its status nor wallows in self-abasement; humility forgets itself and serves others to the glory of God.

Caring for children can be messy. One night I found myself cleaning up a small person’s ejected supper. As I emptied a bucket into the sink, I realized that my attitude was as polluted as the liquid gurgling down the drain. My thoughts lacked humility: “Why do I have to be up at this hour in the chilly, dark house? After all, I deserve a good night’s sleep in a warm bed.” Then I reflected on how my Lord’s humility bends, serves, loves. Humility forgets itself and thanks God for the opportunity to help.

Waterfall humility understands that the way up is the way down. Jesus could have reminded the disciples of His authority over them; He could have demanded that Judas deal with the dirt. But God the Son humbly lowered Himself to meet their need.

Bee Blessings

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”
(Romans 8:28 KJV).

This spring I wanted to remember the lilacs. I wanted to savor their fragrance, storing it away for winter. Lilacs last such a short time. So I planned to visit the front yard often—the place where the lilacs live.

But bees scare me. So on most days I took only a conservative sniff of the flowers, lest I should inhale a bee by mistake. On a drizzly day at the end of May, however, an opportunity came. With no bees in sight, I breathed in that exhilarating floral scent to my heart’s content. The lilacs smelled so good, but after that, I felt so bad. Lost in a pollen fog, my lungs assured me that an interfering bee would have been a blessing after all.

Later I pondered the “bees” in my life—the disappointments that interfere with my plans. How many times has God protected me from harm by allowing my plans to fall through? How many times has a trial’s sting drawn me closer to Him? How many times has my world been shaken up to purge dead petals from my life? I may never know all of the reasons behind negative circumstances, but I know that God means them for my good. 

Because of my newly discovered allergy, my lungs will remember the lilacs for a long time. But my heart will cherish the blessings of the bee.

Reformation of a Tulip

Total depravity—yet able to choose.

Unconditional love—Christ died for us all.

Limited time—life is short.  

Irresistible offer—why ever refuse?

Perseverance of the Spirit—unable to fall.