One of the greatest things that ever happened to us was moving to Africa. Instantly we were surrounded by birds and animals we previously had only read about or had seen in documentaries. The best thing of all was all the new people. We had colleagues from all over the world and quickly learned all manner of cultural quirks. One of our South African families loved stewed raisins or as the husband called “Ticks on Toast.” I was reminded a few minutes ago when I found a swollen tick on my dog.
Ticks are the perfect parasite. They are blood suckers that leave nothing behind but disease and scars. I just finished Googling the question, “What good are ticks?” The answer I found seemed like a stretch to try and say something positive about the creepy little monsters.
So now comes the part when I apply this to people because there are tick people among us. These are the takers that rarely, if ever, give back. Their purpose seems to be that they are opportunity givers. They give the rest of us opportunities to develop our characters by giving to them and tolerating them. They are the negative people that suck the energy out of a room and leave behind a depression that makes us wish we had not been around them.
Now why should I bother to write about such a depressing topic? It gives me the opportunity to tell you that Jesus loves them as much as he loves us. Always remember Hebrews 7:25, “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.” Do I sound smug? Jesus even loves me with my smugness. He knows I’m working on it.
Spring Of Life