Too Close

Way too close. Here's the story.....

It is time to plant mums for the fall season and I needed my gardening tools. We usually keep them in the far corner of the garage so I made my way over to start my search. Those of you who know us are probably laughing right now because I don't always keep all my stuff organized and you also know the state of our garage, nuff said? So, I'm standing there searching......and searching.... looking for my hand tools when I look down and one inch from my flip flop clad foot is a coiled up Copperhead!

Now... fight or flight instantly took over and I jumped like a gazelle on the Nile River at the height of a crocodile feeding frenzy. I screamed Michael's' name at least 10 times and I'm sure he knew immediately the implication in my voice(we've had lots and lots of snakes). He came running and killed the snake with a really, really short hoe. I know it was difficult given the distance his feet were from the snake.

When I settled down from the terror of the moment, I thanked God I had not been bitten and we went on with our day. As we were enjoying various moments during the rest of the weekend I was reminded of just how fragile our lives can be. I kept thinking I could be in a hospital right now instead of tossing the baseball, instead of grilling burgers or taking communion. Our outcome might have been drastically different if it wasn't for the protection our Lord provides for us daily. Psalms 91:14 says the Lord will rescue me because I love him; he will protect me because I acknowledge his name, he will answer me when I call upon him; He will be with me in trouble.

Don't you agree a copperhead in the garage next to my foot is TROUBLE!