SCARS OF LIFE

13 Apr SCARS OF LIFE

I want to share a story that I read a few years ago. This story reminds me of life.

It’s about a little boy from Florida. You see it was a hot summer day in South Florida. Let’s call this little guy “Gus”.

Gus was in a hurry to dive into the cool water so he ran out the back door and flew into the lake. No doubt he was excited and the cool water felt so good. Unfortunately, like many of us, he didn’t take take to check his surroundings. You see in the middle of the lake was an alligator swimming toward shore.

Gus’s father was working in the yard and saw the two as they got closer and closer. How many times as parents, spouses, brothers, or sister have we watched our loved ones heading for danger.

As Dad ran toward Gus screaming in utter fear, Gus became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. IT WAS TOO LATE! Just as Gus reached his Dad, the alligator reached him.

The alligator snatched his legs and thus began the tug-of-war. The alligator was stronger than the father but the father was never going to let his son go.

A farmer driving by heard the screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Gus spent weeks in the hospital but survived. His legs were scarred by the vicious attach of the alligator and his arms had deep scratches from his father’s fingernails digging into his flesh.

The local newspaper interviewed Gus. He lifted his pant legs to show the scars from the alligator. Then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, “But look at my arms, I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn’t let go.”

We all have scars from life. Our scars may be unsightly and cause us deep regret. They may be our own fault or perhaps the fault of others.

Just as the Father refused to let go of Gus, I know that God has refused to let go of me and you. In the midst of our struggles, our wrong choices, he’s still by our side.

Don’t ever give up! Don’t ever stop fighting!

My Father, the God of this universe LOVES YOU AND ME.

You may be in a tug-of-war at this moment. Gus knew he had to get to his Father for help. Just as we must turn to our Father for help. God is patiently waiting. Reach out he is a present help in time of need.

Like the words to that old song, I just held on!!! And thank GOD the storm is over!!

Blessing,

KR