A Wrong Position

My chisel found my knee. I had taken a wrong position over the massive red oak log that I am spending time on. That wrong position allowed the razor sharp carving tool to slip through the strong and sinewy fibers of the twelve hundred pound log.  In less than a hundredth of a second I saw the cleanly cut hole through my jeans and the unwanted red stain beginning to appear. The walk from the barn to the house helped the nice gash bleed a little more.

After some verbal sparing with my wife, and a daughter who is a nurse, three butterfly bandages closed the wound. I did promise them that I would get a shot, if I felt lock-jaw coming on, just kidding. I will probably get the shot today.

In a flash memories of another incident came to mind. For a few years after moving to the north we were rather cash depleted. We depended on venison for our source of meat and I was fortunate enough to be a good shot. As I was field dressing the latest victim of my prowess the wrong position was soon to bite me. My pearl handled hunting knife slipped in my wet hands and the first inch or so of the knife stuck me in the knee. The wound was deep enough to sever an artery and a speedy trip to the distant hospital was on.

My point is this: my wrong position over the log brought on a wound. It will only be for a short time, but my ability to act and accomplish required tasks is now slowed a bit. I still carry the reminder of the wrong position with my hunting knife in hand.

How many of us take the wrong position and than carry around the wound. My knee will heal in a couple of days, if I don't do something stupid. My heart takes much longer. Being able to admit that we have taken a wrong position on life issues takes guts, and a bit of humility.

The Quest

Two of the cats are exerting great concentration and lightning quick moves in their quest to capture an elusive foe, a single fly. Mr. Whiskers and Boo Kitty have been in pursuit of the single house fly since yesterday. They have tried the aerial attack, leaping and twisting in a crazy contortionist flight, their paws trying to connect with the winged insect. All with no success. They have crouched on the carpet, sneaking like cats do, to the curtains in the living room. The fly, in full knowledge of their pursuit, clings to the lower edge of the curtain. With lightning speed Boo Kitty leaps at the curtain. He misses his adversary but manages to get his claws stuck in the curtain.

Even now, while they rest, the winged nuisance is making his presence known. I have no idea how one fly in a house big enough for ten can find the only person inside. I move from one room to another and within a few minutes I get buzzed and then I get aggravated. I wish the cats would have some success in their hunting expedition.  I'll give them until tomorrow and then I will pull out the big guns, fly swatters and bug killer.

How can such a little thing be such a really big nuisance? One way is, you might not see them coming. The little dirt carrying devils can come out of no-where, buzz your ears and land on your neck. Another way, they have creepy crawly feet and when they walk on you it is nasty feeling. Another way, I know where they have been and what they like to eat, stuff I won't mention here. You know what I am talking about

The cats will continue their quest until that fly is no more. I want them to continue. For one thing it is good entertainment. For another, their quest is good reminder to me, sounds weird hey, There are many little things in my life that are a nuisance. Some are negative thinking, belly aching, poor faith, and lots more. I imagine I am not alone in the world.

But, I am on a quest. I am on a quest for royalty. I am on a quest for honor. I am on a quest for honesty, and every aspect of the life of Christ that is lacking or missing altogether. I need to face the little things in my life that detract and distract.

I hope Mr. Whiskers and Boo Kitty keep up the good work. And, I will keep watching them and keep faithful in the good fight of faith.

Tedd Galloway is the author of, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God. The book was released in May through Morgan James Publishing. It is available at most online sites as well as major bookstores. His website is www.teddgalloway.com  At the site you can watch the YouTube video produced to highlight the book and the story of colorblind love.

Scars

The scars on feet and hand,

Visible across the land.

Did people notice  scars on His feet,

As He walked on the cold stone street?

As He raised His hands  high

Did scars find one's searching eye?

Did His brow show signs of thorn,

A cruel crown this King had borne?

For now, He is cloaked in Light,

He did cry, It is over, I've won the fight.

Transformed from signs of hate,

Scars will embrace as we pass His gate.

The hatred of men, shown one day,

In His kingdom banished, forever away. tg