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Racoon


We have a pop up camper and enjoy traveling around staying at different campsites. A few weeks ago we were camping and saw a family of racoons in the distance. The mother was walking through the woods with her kids following closely. Cute is probably the best term to describe how they looked.

Of course, we know that those mischievous cute critters have a way of finding food at your campsite. To prevent this we have a really good cooler that we use to stow our food away in. As a precaution, we even put a padlock on it at night. We have another cooler that we put drinks in. It is flimsy, to be frank. It's only job is keep drinks cool for the hot Florida days.

One night on this trip, we errantly placed the grapes in the drink cooler. I woke up that night to the sight of my wife standing at the camper door saying, "Shoo buddy, you got to go buddy" in the softest most gentlest voice. Would you believe they listened? I would be the one who thought you'd have to make a loud noise, bang pots and pans together, and scream at the top of my voice to scare them away. They needed to know what they were doing is wrong.

When we face someone who is openly sinning how many times do the people of the church want to act the same way. We may turn to gossip or carry the heavy hammer of truth and disregard the balance with grace? Just maybe we are to be more peaceful, like Julie was with those cute thieves at our campsite. 

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."- Colossians 3:15 NIV.

He paid the price and calls our hearts to peace. That peace must transcend the actions of others. After all didn't He die for all? Aren't we supposed to be unified in this truth?

Maybe Julie's peaceful, kind approach to the racoons worked because they knew it was coming from a thankful heart. Peace overcame their mischief.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

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