Cats, Squirrels, and Collateral Damage

Grandpa Hudd hated cats. Once Grandpa moved from the farm where the cats had been tolerated for their mice killing ability, cats became a real nuisance in Arnie’s eyes. His daily clean up of their droppings on his back deck furniture brought tirades only equalled by Ralphy’s father as he chased the Bumpus dogs.

Ronald has the same affection for squirrels that his dad had for cats. Ronald considers squirrels to be the close relative to rats, pests who dig up the yard, and thieves who steal his precious pecans. Ronald’s shooting ability has improved as squirrel after squirrel has met an untimely demise. Of course, the shotgun he uses does increase his chances of a successful hunt.

A while back, he came into the house rather sheepishly. “I will have a serious expenditure when spring comes,” he admitted. “I’m afraid the squirrels weren’t the only thing that died.” He pointed to the water hose he had ready for the garbage. “There was a little bit of collateral damage. The hose is spraying like a sprinkler!”

I laughed at his good intentions gone awry, then I got to thinkin’ on it.

Which led me to a serious-

PREACHING ALERT!

I got to thinking about what in my life caused unnecessary collateral damage to others or even to me.

I’m going to list some things I thought about in no particular order that applies to people in general –  anger, frustration, envy, busyness, self- centeredness, pride, doubt, unbelief, stubbornness, an unforgiving spirit.

Just a suggestion … You can list your own things that have damaged your relationship with others or with God. Then look up verses to confront those things in your life. Remember that we are more than conquerors through our relationship with Christ.

Ephesians 4:2,3  NIV   Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

2 Corinthians 5:17, 18 NIV   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.