After a few fog- and smoke-free days, it鈥檚 disappointing to see smoke from California wildfires returning this week. On a totally unrelated matter, this morning I met a former 鈥渂us riding buddy鈥� who lamented that he is unable to visit relatives since the First Nations reserve shut down entrance to all non-residents.
I heartily applaud the reserve administration for dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 and I sympathize with those folks in the Western United States regarding the horrendous fires in their states. While those things are out of human control, how we react to life鈥檚 injustices is not. I received this on Facebook this morning and I believe it鈥檚 worth passing on.
鈥淎 man saw a snake being burned to death and decided to take it out of the fire. When he did, the snake bit him causing excruciating pain. The man dropped the snake, and the reptile fell right back into the fire.
鈥淪o, the man looked around and found a metal pole and used it to take the snake out of the fire, saving its life.
鈥淪omeone who was watching approached the man and said: 鈥楾hat snake bit you. Why are you still trying to save it?鈥�
鈥淭he man replied: 鈥楾he nature of the snake is to bite, but that's not going to change my nature, which is to help.鈥�
鈥淒o not change your nature simply because someone harms you. Do not lose your good heart, but learn to take precautions.鈥� (Diane Johnson)
It鈥檚 no secret that most of us struggle these ways with the isolation brought about by global health issues. We can鈥檛 control that, but by God鈥檚 grace we can continue to enjoy God鈥檚 peace while sharing His love with others.
鈥淏e humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other鈥檚 faults because of your love.鈥� Ephesians 4:2
