The Struggle With Scorpions

A couple of girlfriends and I work out in the mornings in my detached garage. We call it boot camp. At least, that is what it could have been called a few years ago. Now it is more like a gentle workout for middle-aged, and beyond (cough, cough), ladies desperate to regain the twenty-year-old physiques they enjoyed in yesteryear—all without killing their joints. But I digress. Because I live in the country, we are often “visited” by insects.

My approach to any creepy-crawlies that have mistakenly ventured inside is to squish them. It is a sorry, not-sorry relationship. Unfortunately for them, they have ventured where they do not belong, and there is no turning back. However, one lovely lady in our exercise crew has a different approach. Her heart is beyond tender for all God’s creations.

The other day she kindly scooped up the perpetrator, which happened to be a scorpion this time, on a piece of paper and delivered it safely outside, where it could live the rest of its natural life in sunshine and freedom. Mind blown, I know.

This is such a beautiful illustration of our life with God. When we venture outside of where we were meant to be, Satan and his homies are more than happy to squish us. He is sorry, not sorry. But I am thrilled to report that our amazing God has a heart bigger than even my lovely insect-loving friend, even though I know that is hard to fathom.

Our Lord scoops us up from the unfortunate choices we have made that have left us in squish-happy places and delivers us back to life in the sunshine.

Life in Him is unfathomable grace and unending love.

Mind blown, I know! So, the next time you start to beat yourself up for acting like a scorpion, please do yourself a favor. Just stop. Accept God’s full forgiveness. Allow His tender embrace. Trust Him to carry you out of whatever situation you find yourself in. Admittedly, this is oftentimes a process that gives us a chance to exercise patience.

And then allow Him to assist you into the better plan He has waiting just for you. You will thank me later.

Mary K. Haslam