The Snake (in the grass)

Out by the new garden patio (actually a place where I put down some flat rocks), down on the farm, surrounded by roses (I have five bushes now – all very tiny with no flowers) I was watering, I saw a snake. She (?) was probably a King Snake, or a Rat Snake, or a Hog Nose snake (surely you don’t think I got close enough to figure that out, do you???). Best I can figure, since she was half-way into a hole under one of the roses, it was a momma snake, laying about 50 to 60 eggs (oh my goodness!) which will hatch one fine day not to far into the future.

I have been assured (by a seasoned snake expert, my lovely Bride) that most of them will be gobbled up by the resident hawk, or other birds and beasts of prey. I am not so sure. I know one thing for sure, I am not going to hanging around the roses for a while – maybe ever.

Reminds me of that Enemy the Scriptures call “a serpent” (See 2 Corinthians 11:3) While he must be very busy with important people, I find his “minions” busy hatching out all kinds of problems for the family of Believers where I worship, and for me – overtime. There’s the guy down at the store that is unkind and slower than a slug at helping me find what I need. Then there is that Church member who is always negative, finding “issues” that need my attention, and scowling at first time guests. We have a deacon that won’t “deak,” a teacher that won’t get to Church on time, and NO ONE  really wants to be on ANY committee. Then there is that matter of the shrinking budget, worn-out hymnals, piano out of tune, lights burned out that no one will replace, and people burned out that no one can replace.

Sometimes I think I would rather deal with a garden full of snakes than a Serpent in the Sanctuary. The Enemy is out to stop the Church from being the Church. Way too many people seem more interested in the Snake’s activity than the design of God for US, and for reaching our community with the Good News.

Who ARE these people who don’t seem to notice – IT’S A SNAKE!

[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that the depictions of “the Church” is a compilation of all Churches everywhere known by Mr. West and his ilk, and signifies no single Body of Believers in particular.]