June 27th
Just Lay Back
I used to raise bees. Nancy, my wife, was into making wheat bread - actually grinding the wheat. I provided the honey. I gave most of it away, but I was considered a "bee keeper". The labels on jars read, Carlson's Honey Farm. I taught my boys all I knew - it was a fun hobby. I had around 10 hives in 2 different places in the country and maybe 4 or 5 on the other side of our fence in town.
"Ever get stung" I am asked. Answer, "Yes, you better believe it!" One time, when trying to get a wild swarm from top of a door of a barn I had this horrible experience. I was standing near the top of a ladder - reaching as high as possible to cut the thick comb. When I did I realized that the 2 foot - made of several columns - hanging hive was heavier than I planned. It fell on me and I fell down the ladder. By this time bees were all over me and worst of all some had gotten in my face net. I ran out the door of the barn. My wife was sitting in the car "watching the show" laughing. She quickly rolled up her window. I was left pounding on the glass. (As If I would go in the car.) It was a stinging event!!
Now, I read of some bee keepers in the Middle East who collect honey without being stung. I say to myself that this is remarkable. So, how do they do it?
Here they are not protected by their clothing, for they hardly wear any. Yet surrounded by clouds of angry bees they rarely suffer. Expanation?? These natives are passive and deliberate in their movements. Oh. They make no effort to protect themselves - they don't attempt to drive the bees away. If a bee settles upon them they just ignore it. The bee does not sting them no more than they would if landing on a tree limb.
But, take me, for instance. I am nervous, I am in a "combative mode" and I am afraid.
I have had troubles land on me like bees. I have been stung by them a thousand times. But as I get older I realize that "fighting my bees" is not good. To you, my dear reader, I say if (in regard to that trouble you are now going through) you fret and fume you will feel the sting and you will miss the honey.
"Let the peace of God rule in your heart." (Col. 3:15)
In and through it all may you overcome the little irritiations and actually use them to make you sweeter.
My prayer for you
Lord, I ask, in the name of Jesus, that this one live in quietness and confidence. May they taste the sweetness of what you are doing in their lives and excape the sting.
Amen