I Have Been Bit

There is a large bug here in Haiti that I have been working oh so diligently to fight since our arrival.  Some days this bug is EVERYWHERE.  In spite of any effort on my part, it continues to swarm, and I continue to swat.  Other days I may go through the morning without any sign of this bug, and then it comes out heavy when I least expect it.  What I have found to be the most frustrating, are the days I never see the actual bug, yet I cannot stop itching the bites from previous encounters.

Is your skin crawling yet?  Mine sure is just thinking about this nuissance.  The more I think about it, the more I realize this bug is not native to Haiti.  I had several encounters with it in the U.S. as well.  It appeared in different circumstances, but the bite was there.  As I have fought this awful pest, I have come to the conclusion that this bug is not in my surroundings, it is inside me!  I have also learned that I am not the only one fighting hard against this vermont, it is inside many of you as well...

I will refer to said bug as, the comparrison bug.  This comparrison bug is by far one of the worst creatures I have encountered, because it is just so consistent and can adapt to any circumstance.  It can make you think things, and wish for things you would have never thought possible!

For example, just a few days ago I was so desiring to have the gift of administration.  Oh to sit in an office and pay attention to details all afternoon.  I was bit, I thrive from people and relationships, not excel docs and spreadsheets!  I have been working on growing my hair out over the past several months.  I recently saw a girl with short curly hair, and was bit again!  I would look absolutely ridiculous with short curly hair, but for a solid hour or so, I was ready to chop off all my hair.
                                                           STOP!

I am pleased to say I have not worked on any spreadsheets today, and my ponytail reminas.  However, I have been thoroughly shocked by how often I compare, without even realizing.

1 Corinthians 12:12-26.  Look this passage up right now before you read anymore.  Okay, I know you are on the internet to be reading this, so just go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and type in this passage please :)

This crazy comparrison bug may come back often, and be quite the bother, but I have a repellent for this awful thing.

God's word speaks specifically to this bug bite.  The passage in 1 Corinthians uses the body of Christ as a primary place this bug dwells.  I love the simplicity in the comparrisons in verse 17..."If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of smell be..."

What does this terrible comparrison bug do?  He causes me to shy away from my full potential.  He causes insecurities to increase, and paralyzation to occur.  He makes me look for a quick fix, or surface solutions that only lead to more bites.  He brings forth a sense of defeat, this is just the way things are...

Oh how often I desire quick results.  I am not a "crafter", because I simply cannot stand taking on projects that are going to take me more than an afternoon to complete.

Oh the joy that fills my heart when I am reminded about the acceptance and patience of my Savior, who is in it for lasting results.

Phillipians 1:6, "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  He began and will complete.  I and you, cannot do this alone.

This is not a pep talk to tell you, "You can do it!  Fight hard, and think positive thoughts and you will avoid the bug."  It is a reminder to myself, as well as to you to examine your heart and see "oh" those many places you have been bit.  Look intently at the truths of Scripture.  Take heart, He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion!  Oh how I long for the day of no more bites! 

Note:  I really was quite itchy the whole time I wrote this blog.  I don't think it is physical results from the comparrison bug, just simply the mosquitos.