Chasing Down Pests
Ordinary Time – Season of Stability
(Author’s note – I wrote this reflection the year following 9/11. As I hunted down these pests, I found myself comparing them to terrorist cells. Just as it took months of being on guard against another infestation, I figured it would takes months of work to clear these groups out and then constant vigilance to keep them from coming back. Sixteen years later it seems we are no closer to cleaning our world of terrorists than we were back then. A sad commentary on the ineffectiveness of our nation’s efforts to secure peace.)
These little flying pests have invaded my space. At first glance I had thought they were just moths, sneaking in from the dark, in search of light. Relatively harmless. I thought little of my cats chasing these flying objects through the front room, batting at them with their paws. Then I discovered them in my food, larvae nestled in rice and macaroni, flying out from drawers. Thus the battle began!
I threw out food, every open container and even unopened boxes of macaroni were suspect. I cleaned every drawer, every cupboard was thoroughly cleaned. I sprayed against these pests. Despite my best efforts they kept showing up, month after month. Day after day, I swatted those bugs, leaving black marks on white walls. Daily the bugs returned till I despaired of ever being free of them, but now after nine months of vigilance, I only have to swat the occasional bug. I am relieved, but I’m not letting down my guard lest my kitchen become infested again.
When this infestation had started and why, I’m not sure. General lack of concern on my part, poor housekeeping habits coming back to haunt me, perhaps. I don’t know any more than I know why one day someone will be healthy only to be stricken with cancer the next. We don’t always know from whence these challenges come, but face them we must, day after day. Diligently we do what needs to be done, enjoying the good with the bad.
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. Proverbs 21:5
This post is part of a series of reflections on the Church year. click here to follow blog
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