Nope, for me, the big downside is only one thing: big spiders. This time of year, they’re having a great time spinning big ol’ webs between our trees and shrubs, and then parking their big hairy selves in the middle of the webs, like they own the place or something.
It’s one thing when it’s off in a corner, or under a deck somewhere. But here in August lately, there’s been a pair of cocky arachnids who must be texting each other with their two of their eight hands—because they’re setting up a pair of webs outside of each door—-one by the front porch (spun down from the grey dogwood that shades it), and the across the backdoor staircase, between the elm and bald cypress.
Now, after dark, I have to bring a baseball bat or broomstick with me to swat down the spider webs every time I go outside. See, I like trees--but I hate spiders. But I’m willing to have the spider and webs in my way in order to have big trees overhead (and to force me to man-up and stop being so wimpy!)
And that's a bit like my relationship with God. I love living the life of faith under the shadow of God’s wings, where it’s cooler than out in the harsh sun, and where it’s easier to rest, laugh and get some work done. But with those great blessings of shelter and beauty come some sticky traps that I'm always in danger of walking in to:
• I claim the humble Jesus as my Lord, but sometimes I let my faith make me feel more together than I am. That's a trap.
• I’m so confident in God’s sovereignty that I’m sometimes tempted to think there are easier answers to the world’s problems than there really are—and look down on folks who seem tied in knots worrying about them! That's a nasty web.
• And most insidious of all, despite following a Lord who hung out with prostitutes, outcasts and cynics, I sometimes find myself preferring to hang with my fun church friends than my more cynical unchurched friends. Mega-trap.
Lord, it’s awesome to hang in your good shade, but keep me from sticky trap of pridefulness and smug satisfacion while I do it.
Psalm 63 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
