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Not long ago I was on my way
to an appointment when I spotted a turtle in the middle of the highway. The poor creature was somehow turned onto its back
and was kicking and clawing in an effort to get back onto its feet. I couldn't stand the thought of driving past, knowing
this creature would probably die without my help, so pulling off to the side of the highway, I quickly retrieved the stranded
tortoise before racing back to my vehicle.
At first the creature hid within its shell, but quickly emerged, crooking
its neck in an effort to bite the very hand that had saved it from death. I remember someone calling them "snapping turtles"
when I was a child, and this one sure lived up to its name--gratitude definitely not on its mind when it was snapping at my
fingers.
Now I understand that the animal could not have possibly been aware of the full picture. Had it perceived
the danger, it surely would not have ventured out onto the hazardous highway. More important, had it known that I was saving
its life, it most certainly would never have tried to bite me.
Then I thought of the many instances where the gentle
hand of God picked me up when my world had been knocked upside down: times when life seemed unfair and things were not going
well; when people I loved were diagnosed with terminal illnesses; when creditors, lawyers and bank officials contacted me
more frequently than friends or family. It was during these times that I too snapped at the One who had rescued me.
PRAYER
Lord, teach us to be open to all people around us, so that through the witnessing of the good around us, all of us might
benefit from those that could help us towards the right path.
Source: Mike Collins' E-Column
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