There are just some spots in my physical world that are extra happy, bringing me contentment and a sense of peace. The garden steps to my bird feeder and bird bath are such a place. I have been up and down those steps a billion times filling and refilling and just checking things out. They are visible from my kitchen table, so there has been plenty of tea consumed while enjoying them.
All that changed yesterday when we went out to fill the feeders and found a ‘way too large’ (as if there’s a right size to make it good) rattlesnake on those same idyllic steps. He had struck a cardinal and was working on making her his dinner. Because this snake was in our living space and a place my grandchildren frequent, he had to be dealt with. I am just so grateful the snake was spotted before one of us unknowingly tangled with him!
The picture? Just how easily something deadly can slip into our lives unnoticed! And the parallel to the serpent of ‘Garden of Eden’ infamy isn’t lost on me here. I will henceforth and forever more be wearing suitable, non flip flop footwear when going up the steps. And if I have learned anything from this life lesson, it is that we must be vigilant to watch for the things that can invade even our safest and happiest of places and be harmful to our hearts and lives.
1 Peter 5:8 says Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Ephesians 6:10 gives us an action plan: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
Let’s keep our wits about us out there!
Picture This 
Great reminder to keep watch even in our safe zones. Also reminds me of Psalm 121. https://biblehub.com/esv/psalms/121.htm
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