Beware that Poison Ivy

When I was walking around Newport State Park a few weeks ago, I saw a sign post in the middle of a pretty non-descript area of sand and grass.

I read the sign, "Leaflets Three, Let It Be!"

Sure enough at the bottom of the post there it was, Poison Ivy!!

The top paragraph on the sign made no bones about it, "Poison Ivy surround this sign.  Learn how to spot poison ivy and you'll avoid itchy blisters.  Leaves, stems, and berries are poisonous."

If only the rest of the world could be so helpful:

• "HOT! Don't touch this burner!!"
• "I REALLY wouldn't go in there!"
• "SLOW DOWN or you WILL get a ticket!"
• "Think about it one more time, or this will be the biggest mistake of your life!"

A consultant I know frequently says the best way to learn is through mistakes.  Of course, she's referring to learning the best way to use computer software not flying a plane.

Sometimes, those mistakes look kind of pretty, just like those gleaming red leaves or the dark green ones with red edges.  I'm sure the leaves feel soft against the skin.  (For a while, anyway.)

And so it goes.

The bright and shiny might be dark and dreary mere inches below the surface - and liable to make you more than scratch.

Thankfully there is something more powerful than calamine lotion to take care of our infection.

But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8