A Little girl once asked her father how wars got started. "Well," said her father, "suppose America persisted in quarreling with England, and..." "But," interrupted by her mother, "America must never quarrel with England." "I know," said the father, "but I am only using a hypothetical situation." "But you are misleading her," said the Mother. "Never mind, Daddy," the little girl said, "I think I know how wars get started."
Most major arguments don't begin major, but rooted in small annoyances, breaches, or trespasses. It's like the mighty oak that stood on the skyline of the Rocky Mountains. The tree had survived hail, heavy snows, bitter cold, and ferocious storms for more than a century. It was finally felled not by a great lightning strike or an avalanche, but by an attack of tiny beetles.
A little hurt, neglect, or insult can be the beginning of the end for virtually any relationship. Therefore, take care of what you say, check your attitude, and be quick to ask for forgiveness when you've been wrong. Maintain those important relationships in your life and don't let the "tiny beetles" cat away at them.
Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Proverbs 17:17.
Archbishop Danette M. Scott, Ph.D. A Ray of Hope Ministries Christian Center Sr. Pastor/Founder www.AROHMCC.org
