I love my backyard, I really do. I often say that two of my favorite rooms of the house is the back porch and the firepit at the edge of the woods. From both vantage points I can watch the world go by spinning. Just this morning while it was still dark an owl was calling out, claiming some of the dawning land. Each day I can count on seeing a number of fellow shareholders in my little Garden of Eden. Bluebirds and doves, mosquitoes and bats, deer and possums all call this home.
Occasionally I will even see a snake, or two. Most of the snakes are harmless – blacksnakes, garters, and every few years a king snake will show up. Of course there are also the copperheads and water moccasins to keep us alert and remind us that not every snake is welcome in the garden! Amy is a great respecter of nature but I am learning after all these years that I best keep my snake sightings to myself. More than once she has threatened to put a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. “Remember,” she somberly states, “what happened the last time someone met up with a snake in Eden.”
Note to self: Be careful what you say out loud. As a preacher I know better. After all Jesus said pretty much the same thing. “… For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37).
I certainly cannot speak for you but sometimes my speech can contain too many “snakes” to the detriment of others. Some words are careless and negative, laced with criticisms without thought of edification. Words are powerful according to Jesus and poets, therefore I know we are to labor at choosing words with care. There is no need in pointing out the snakes unless somebody is about to get into trouble!
Nowadays when I return from the woods I report on the fuzzy rabbits and the curious squirrels – and that’s it!
Grace and Peace,
Greg
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