Hidden Dangers
A while back, I was mowing the grass at Mom's camp when these bright yellow cactus flowers caught my eye. I snapped a picture so I could show Rusty the prickly pear in full bloom. As I was trying to get the best angle for the photo, I noticed the sharp needle-like spines near the center of the plant. They were long enough and thick enough to easily see and know to avoid. There's no doubt a poke by one would be painful. What isn't as easy to see, are the tiny hair-like spines that cover each pad.
If you’ve ever fooled with any cactus, you know what I’m talking about. They're usually covered in tiny fibers that can enter the skin and hide from anyone trying to remove them. I’ve had them in my fingers before and Rusty or the kids weren't much help in removing them. I could feel them but not see them and they couldn’t feel or see them. I would end up having to remove them myself, which would sometimes take days to accomplish.
This is similar to anything we let “get under our skin”. It might be something tiny that has bothered us for a while and the longer we let it stay there, the more it will irritate us. Eventually, it won't only cause pain to ourselves, it will start impacting those around us as well. Although others may try to help with the situation, we are the only ones that can remove it.
In the last chapter of Philippians, Paul expresses his love and gratitude to the church and gives them words of living a peaceful and content life. By following the instructions given, we can avoid those hidden dangers that cause us pain and steal our joy.
Lord, help me to always look for the good in my circumstances and in the people around me.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. -Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4 - Debra Arnott
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