Have you read Screwtape
Letters by C.S. Lewis? In that imaginative satirical novel, a senior demon,
Screwtape, writes letters to Wormwood, a Junior Tempter who he is mentoring.
The letters pertain to Wormwood’s responsibility for securing the damnation of
a man known as “the Patient.”
 |
| Saturn's Rings |
It’s often helpful to me when a little or big wrinkle in
life presents itself to remember that cautionary tale. We all have our own
demons trying to upset the apple cart of our journey through this life. To God
our Father, we may be children, but to the powers of darkness we are projects
to be destroyed.
This morning about 5:00 a.m. I took one of those apples in
my cart, spit-polished a David-like aim, and let it fly. I think the Wormwood
who disturbed my sleep is eating applesauce for breakfast. He may have an ice
pack on his eye too.
It’s become my habit when my sleep is disturbed to choose
from a menu of good options as an alternative to sleeplessness. Wormwood’s
intentions were likely to waken me to stewing and fretting, while tossing and
turning and getting fussed up about problems real or imaginary playing like a
shadow theater on the bedroom wall.
After I figured out that strategy several years ago, I came up
with my own defensive plan: #1 - pray
or read my Bible or other good book. I learned that strategy from my mother who
especially employed it during her years of frail health, but strong mind and
spirit. This strategy not only calms my spirit, but often makes me sleepy (I
mean no offense to the Lord by that last part of the sentence.)
Option #2 is to do some of my chores, work off a little
energy. That sense of satisfaction at being ahead of the game before sunrise
most often brings a nice ensuing nap before the official arrival of morning.
Option #3 for me is to write.
This morning, 5 a.m. found me in the kitchen making a loaf
of rye bread to use for Panini sandwiches for lunch. That bread will be perfect
paired with the delicious Swiss cheese we got at the Guggisberg Cheese House in
Charm Ohio last weekend while on a trip in northeastern Ohio.
I also made some velvety-smooth chocolate mint pudding,
cranberry-carrot salad with orange dressing, and a pitcher of ice tea. Praying
while I washed up the few dishes gave me that black-eye thought, as a small
patch of scorched pudding taunted me from the bottom of the sauce pan. A
vigorous scrub with Dawn dish soap and a trusty scrubbing pad brought the score
to Wormwood – 1, Nancy – 2.
Continuing on the offensive with Option #3, this little post gives away
that rascal’s strategy to an audience around the world. Wormwood – 1, Nancy - 3.
Game over for this morning. Thanks Coach. I’m headed off for a little post-game nap before
getting ready for morning worship. It's another beautiful Sunday.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
LINKS
Screwtape on Stage near you
Memorable quotes from Screwtape
Letters
No comments:
Post a Comment