Rays of Light

A note to teens –and everyone else for that matter:

In my last post, I admitted that I was a bona fide snake hater. Before you report me to some herpetology activist however, let me say in my own defense, that I have had several rather unpleasant run-ins with snakes in the past.

Several decades ago, for instance, I was horribly embarrassed by one of those nasty, scaly reptiles. For those of you who were born and raised in the city, let me preface this incident by explaining that an outhouse is an outdated, rather crude, prototype to today’s modern porta-potty. I feel the need to explain this, as I actually know people who are clueless about such matters.

It happened in a large underdeveloped park located in the middle of Nowhere, U.S.A. I had only just begun my business in the outhouse when a rather large snake poked its head through a hole in the wall and started its slithery descent downwards. Calmness has never been my greatest virtue (just ask my oldest daughter). So, I allowed my panic to take control, and hurriedly shuffled out of the outhouse with my pants around my ankles.

I hadn’t gotten very far from the building when it dawned on me, people were staring. Worse yet, many of them were laughing and mocking. I was so embarrassed that I briefly considered rejoining Snakezilla, but opted not to because the opinions of those people were far less important to me than my safety and well-being.

The event was terribly humiliating, but I was eventually able to forget it ever happened. Then a few years ago, I was listening to a television evangelist’s sermon on Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden. He posed the question: “What do you think this world would be like today if only Eve had recognized that the serpent which tempted her was really the Devil in disguise?” He then challenged his audience to learn from Eve’s mistake when faced with temptation, and to remind themselves, “Snake coming!”

For years I have been trying to heed his advice. I encourage you, dear reader, to do the same. I know it’s not easy. Temptation usually comes at us like a snake in the wall –when we are least expecting it, and it is really difficult to get away.

Still, I truly believe that most teens are incredibly wonderful people with tons of potential who desire to live right and be good. But living in this present world can make this quite difficult because it is heavy with peer pressure and problematic challenges. Nevertheless, dare to be different and stay true to yourself!

When you follow your convictions and stand strong with morality and character, some of your peers may laugh and mock you, but it doesn’t matter what they think. It is more important that you keep yourself safe physically, emotionally and spiritually. And please, be patient with us old fogies. You probably think that we don’t understand. Let me be honest; sometimes we don’t. But we are rooting for you and trying our best to help you stay out of the outhouse. Between you and me, it stinks in there.

From now on, when you face temptation of any kind, including compromise or ungodly conformity, remind yourself: “Snake coming!” and get out of there.