Buzz Kill

Such a beautiful cool day was perfect for them. The air had the feel of autumn in it yet the sun was out with rays playing over them, kissing them with warmth. They were curled up on mom's lap, napping. Hearing the buzz of a fly going through the room, he opened one eye slowly and watched it traverse the room.

It felt so good to snuggle. The fly buzzed its way closer, lazily in the cool air. He felt a stirring of annoyance as it fly closer and closer. His other eye opened. He was going to teach it a lesson! Silently tensing his muscles to make a quick snatch, he became a spring board. His brother used him as a launch pad and had the fly before he could react.

That was MY FLY, he thought as he leaped on top of his brother. They wrestled, slapped at each other, hissing as they fell to the floor only to spring back up. Leaping from the floor they sprung back to mom's lap as they continued to wrestle and growl at each other.

"STOP IT! My lap is not a wrestling mat!" Mom dumped them to the floor again as she stood up and left, heading to another room. Both boys, in a twisted pile of body parts where they had been unceremoniously dumped, lay still, blinking.

"Uh, mom . . . mom" they mewed as they untangled and followed along behind her. Wrapping around one ankle, the younger one purred his apology. She worked in the kitchen, putting things away, getting a drink, filling their bowls, and finally returned to her chair. The elder promptly crawled onto her lap, reclaiming his cuddle spot. The younger walked around a bit, chased another fly and then joined them.

"No more wrestling on my lap!" she told them both. Looking at her with huge, innocent eyes, they curled up--grooming each other, with only an occasional nip and growl before settling down for another nap.

He could feel the warmth of the sun . . . the comfort and love of mom . . . and the growing buzz of a . . . FLY! Two sets of eyes opened wide, tracking its path. Feeling the tension grow in their bodies she placed one hand on them while the other reached for the fly swatter . . . SPLAT! "Relax boy, mom will keep the peace," and they drifted back to sleep--safe and secure.

Sometimes when we least expect it, life annoys us. We think we have the solution and get slapped in the face. We react in anger and frustration. Before we realize it, we are fighting with one we love. At the same time we expect God to sit by on the sidelines and let us "handle" it on our own. That's not how God works.

Instead of fussing and fighting . . . of trying to figure out who God loves more . . . of depending upon our way, we need to relax and allow God time to work. We are safe in God's love and protection. God will guide us through. Instead of turning upon one another when things don't go our way, trust that God will get us through.

Comforter, teach us to wait for you to show us the way. Forgive us when we turn upon others in anger and frustration. Help us to learn your ways and to be true to your path. So be it. Amen.