There's a What in the Bushes?

Okay, let me set the scenario. I was walking my dog in my backyard. Major loves to sniff out and chase the rabbits. He was on leash this particular day, as I needed him to hurry to do his business.


But that was a mistake for me! We headed to my beautiful gardenia bushes which are about 6 feet tall. He smelled something under the bush and pulled me with him.


Gasp, scream, jerk and pull, stumble--all at the same time! I was staring into the face of that black snake. My life flashed before my eyes. (well not really, but almost) He had crawled up to my eye level and was sunning. Yuk! Scared me to death. I'm kind'a used to them on the ground, but eye level? No way, no how.


I grabbed a big stick and tried to hit him, but that was a stupid idea. He coiled and my dog and I ran inside. (Now I know he's just a black racer, non-poisonous, but give me a break, in was in my bush!!) The gardenia bush backs up to my lanai (patio) in the back. I knew my hubbie would not really believe me, so I ran inside and took this picture safely from inside my lanai.


"For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living." Psalms 56:13


How often do I forge ahead of God and find myself staring into black pitted eyes, or the darkness of my scared heart? I run not thinking of the consequences. Yet, I cannot count the times God has rescued me from myself or physical danger. I love the Lord as He continues to allow me to walk with Him in this life.


Do I look before getting close to the bushes, now? You betcha! That's one lesson learned.