GETTING RID OF STINGERS

        Living in cactus country is different than the Midwest. I have a small cactus garden here with 24 different kinds of cacti. Except for one I bought, all have grown from cuttings our neighbors gave us. My dense garden has become home to mice, quail, rabbits and small birds. 

        Cacti are highly adaptable and will root down from a cutting planted in a little soil, needing only the desert rain. None of my garden plants require special watering. What little rain the Lord provides is enough.

        One of the few cactus that will not sprout its own roots is the giant saguaro. That one needs seeds to start it which come from berries produced by its large spring flowers on top of the arms. Birds eat the tasty food and spread the seeds around. 

        Of the thousands of cacti varieties, most will grow in any soil. The saguaro, however, grows wild only in a certain type of soil. Driving along the desert flatland or hillside, saguaro cacti often appear suddenly, as if a line had been drawn in the sand. Then they disappear again, huge plants with giant arms weighing a ton or more and living a hundred or more years. They are native only in the Sonora Desert.

        Nearly all cacti have thorns that should be removed quickly. Even the fine, soft ones will go in deeper into skin, causing a rash, pain or infection. Cactus thorns are nothing to be trifled with. They need to be removed.

        Thorns are like sins we get caught up in, our addictions, secret sins or destructive private behaviors. If we let these continue and don't find a way to stop doing them, they will cause us problems and harm. Like cacti, sinful activities will implant themselves wherever they can, and before we know it, become entrenched into our life, going deeper and harder to stop. 

        If we get involved in such sin, we must stop right away, even if it is fun or gives us pleasure. If we let it continue, the hurt will go deeper into and even affect those around us. If we ask Jesus, He will help us and show us a better way, a life without harmful sting of sin. 

        God sent Jesus to help us get rid of destructive elements in life. Jesus said, “I came that they might have life abundantly.” (John 10:10) Abundant life in Jesus offers more contentment and peace than we can imagine. 

Happy gardening!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com