2009-Apr-18 - Catching Flies...
Yeah, it's that time of year again when Spring has sprung with winter's snarl passed...those pesky flying creatures buzzing around the yard and house...
WHY do they want to come inside when it's so beautiful outside? I look out and see all the beautiful flowers budding and blooming up from the earth once so snuggled down in cold Ohio snow seemingly asleep...
Flies are really a nuisance...they are absolutely disgusting creatures that will eat anything! Who wants these bugs around the house? Not I nor should you. Not only do they want to land upon your freshly made dinner, they also carry disease and all manner of yuck! But catching them...
Did I ever mention that I have three fly swatters? Why three you might ask. I like to have them handy in different areas of the home so I can take care of any flying creatures who might decide to visit. I've used my "swatters" to take care of wasps and other flying "visitors" who have come to visit as well...we like to open up our home this time of year for some well enjoyed fresh air and ventilation! As doors and windows pop open here they come to say hello...and here I go with my well aimed..."Whap! Gott'em!" Just a quick scoop and out to the trash they go.
I really don't know why I chose to share this little factual tale about our home...but it's an everyday occurance for many to deal with flies and other insects that are so aggravating this time of year.
I guess I could bait them...put some honey on a plastic lid for my "friends" to enjoy and get tangled within...A little honey goes a long way to catch flies...its sweetness and odor will draw most to its delicious substance.
I suppose the lesson here might be in catching people into our lives too. HONEY or sweetness goes a long way in drawing and keeping others in our lives. I think honey, the product of bee work is like the product of kindness and goodness bringing others toward us. IF you were "my fly" or potential friend, would you want to be gently drawn by a sweet smelling odor and taste (think warm cinnamon buns fresh from the oven or some fresh baked bread)...or find yourself "wacked" out...hit upside the personhood with comments, opinions or concerns?
Now humans are not flies, and we aren't hoping to kill each other~goodness NO! But we are trying to get along one with the other...friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor, family and loved ones in harmony creating relationships along the way...
What's that my Mama used to tell me? "You catch more flies with honey..." now the rest has nothing to do with the fly swatter, but with the use of bitter vinegar. It's true that vinegar as acidic and harsh as it is does not draw insects or rarely humans unless we're making pickles. If you've never made home made pickles, the odor of vinegar is very very strong as the salt vinegar brine is brought to a rolling boil...so very strong that it will cause the eyes to burn and tear...Unthoughtfulness, meanness, critical spirits, harshness all bring tears like the vinegar will...bitterness and sourness too!
Making and keeping friends must be much like luring in our insects of sorts. Sweetness and even the element of stickiness can be good things in making long and lasting relationships. Now obviously I am not "collecting" fly friends like I do friends and acquaintances, but people do enjoy being treated sweetly in a ways that will stick: loyalty, respect, peacefulness, giving...love!
OK...so it's that time of year...flies are all around...and opportunities abound to take these pests on...but new opportunities to make or keep a friend present themselves too.
So I have to ask, are we catching flies or making friends?
Honey goes a long way!
Let's be sweet!
(Remember to go easy on the bees...they are making honey somewhere!)
Blessings
SisterTipster
Comments
2009-May-6 - I've been thinking along these same lines this week . . .
Posted by SevenSmiths
I was at a public social event last week. A homeschooling mom was shutting herself off completely from everyone else. She did not speak to anyone, and was busy reading a book. I did go up and speak with her for a few minutes, but she really did not do more than respond politely to my questions, so I soon gave up. I left her to read her book.
I've been reflecting on that for days. She was not negative in that she did not have a sour disposition nor was she gossiping or anything, yet she was obviously not engaged in any social interaction with anyone else. She was indifferent to the people around her. She showed no indication in caring about any of them. She was not thinking about them. She was setting a negative example for her children who were with her.
I hope I can remember to think about others at all times myself, even if it should mean moving out of my own comfort zone!
