WATCH WHERE YOU'RE WALKING

The natural beauty of the North American wilderness never ceases to amaze me!

Starting with the animals, the brilliant red feathers of the male cardinal, the deep cinnamon and red coat of the red fox, and the detailed muscular features of the wild mustang. The canopies of trees are equally stunning; the year-round luscious deep green display of spruce pines, the stunning array of soft blossoms on a spring cherry tree, and the brilliant fall colors on the variety of maples. These are just a few of the beautiful creations that draw me to the wilderness. The different seasons bring out the uniqueness of animal and plant life. Animal mating seasons bring out the splendor of what they have to impress a perspective mate. Different weather conditions and seasons help bring out the gorgeous foliage of trees.

While enjoying a morning hike through the woods this past spring, I came across a section in the trail that was full of what the season had to offer. There were luscious pines, heavy greens of oaks, and contrasting white blooms. I slowed down my pace and casually wandered through the area, allowing my hands to brush over the soft spruce needles and my nose to take in the aroma of the white blooms. As I tilted my head back with my gaze upward and my arms stretched out, the tip of my fingers tickled the leaves. After several moments looking up, I looked down to verify my footing and there it was, my wilderness archenemy…poison ivy! Some people aren’t bothered by poison ivy, but I am allergic to it. There have been a couple instances where I’ve broken out with itchy blisters from this evil plant. Those two occasions taught me to be on the lookout for this “leaves of three, let it be” irritating plague. The blissful moment of enjoying the environment was now replaced with wondering how long I’ve been wandering through the oily leaves of this venomous plant. On my way back to the truck, my thoughts were filled with plans of getting my boots off and out of my pants without getting the plants oils anywhere else. Because of the potential for exposure to this wicked plant, I was prepared and brought gloves and wipes. Nonetheless, I was on the watch for any breakouts and was pleased nothing exposed itself.

The beautiful trail that enlightened my morning

The little oily evil plant 

It was a good reminder that there are many tempting beautiful attractions that can draw one in, distracting from the small wickedness hiding underneath.

Proverbs 4:14-15 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil, avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on.