Itching to Learn

July 1st, 2008 |

It is sad, but true, that the “School of Hard Knocks” is very often the place where we grow the most.  The lessons that are the most painful seem to be the most permanent.  I was reminded of this recently when I came in contact with some poison ivy.  As most of you already know, I enjoy working on and living in my little piece of outdoor acreage on Henry Drive.  For years now, I have been clearing, sniping, pruning and planting down in our small strip of woods behind the house.  I have known all along that poison ivy abounds there, but it had never really been a big deal.  Not that I was necessarily reckless with the stuff, but it didn’t really seem to overly affect or concern me when I came into casual contact with it.  However, I now have a new and profound respect for what can happen if you expose yourself to this plant.  Several weeks ago, after working on the back forty, both of my arms broke out in whelps.  At first I was not all that concerned, but when the anti-itch creams had no effect and the stuff seem to be spreading instead of subsiding, I decided that maybe I had a problem.  Long story longer, I ended up at the doctor’s office being treated.  The fact is, I am not as immune to poison ivy as I thought. Proceeding with caution is a very good idea.  I now give this plant a wide berth.   If I do have to come in close contact with it, I wear gloves and a long sleeve shirt no matter how hot it may be.  For many of us today, our attitude toward sinful things is a lot like my past attitude toward poison ivy.  We are not overly concerned about the presence of sin, because we falsely believe we are somehow immune to the affects of it.  Of course, we are not and therefore must constantly be on our guard. “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him…” I Peter 5:8-9a Itching to learn,