Knowing the truth and living it is always a
challenge as we make our way through life.
We may be exposed to the light . . . but often
choose to turn away, rather than embrace it.
Following light and truth is not for sissies, it
is usually all uphill and requires constant exertion and vigilance.
Peer pressure, rationalizations, even wanting to believe the best about others
can be misleading and detour us from our original intent. The following story is an
example of misplaced trust and the inevitable consequences:
A young girl was trudging along a mountain path, trying to reach her
grandmother’s house. It was bitter cold and the wind cut like a knife. When she was
within sight of her destination, she heard a rustle at her feet, Looking down she saw
a snake. Before she could move, the snake spoke:
“I am about to die, he said. “It is too cold for me up here and I am freezing.
There is no food in these mountains and I am starving.. Please put me under your coat
and take me with you.”
“No,” replied the girl. “I know your kind. You are a rattlesnake. If I pick you
up, you will bite me and your bite is poisonous.”
“No, no,” said the snake. “If you help me you will be my best friend. I will treat
you differently.”
The little girl sat down on the rock for a moment to rest and think things over.
She looked at the beautiful markings on the snake and had to admit it was the most
beautiful snake she had ever seen.
Suddenly she said, “I believe you. All living things deserve to be treated with
kindness.”
The little girl reached over, put the snake gently under her coat and proceeded
toward her grandmother’s house.
Within a few moments she felt a sharp pain in her side. The snake had bitten her.
“How could you do this to me?” she cried. “You promised to treat me differently and
I believed you!”
“You knew what I was when you picked me up,” hissed the snake as he
slithered away.
How many times have you been bitten?
Why do the evil ones always seek out the kindhearted? Is it because they know we will
have pity on them? Or is it because we are naive? If you have survived their bite, or
have been bitten over and over again, your eyes are opened to their subtle treachery.
We must be wary of those who speak flattering words or manipulate our emotions to
obtain their own ends.
These dangerous ones may never change their evil ways, but we must learn to
recognize the danger they represent and use our survival instincts to protect ourselves and the ones we love.
|
