Today, my second-grader is home sick with a fever and headache.  Boo.  Jake’s the one that suffers terribly from allergies and asthma, so when sickness strikes – he’s down for the count.

Our pediatric allergy specialist has recommended allergy shots for the past two years, but I just can’t bring myself to sign him up for all of those pointy needles on a regular basis.  Argh.

Personally, I hate shots!  They sting, burn and then ache like the dickens for what seems like an eternity.  I’m the patient who asks the nurse to hold my hand and will’s myself not to cry…oh yea, I’m a REAL mature forty-year-old!!!

Sadly, there are plenty of pointy needles at every turn in life.  They are the problems, fears and trials each of us face that not only sting us, but then burn for a while and ultimately, leave a dull ache smack dab in the center of our hearts.

Lately, I’ve been focused on the topic of forgiveness, as the sermon series for Lent at my church is discussing the many facets of forgiveness; but in all honesty, I have a love-hate relationship with the act of forgiveness. (Sorry if I’m sounding like a broken record!)

On one hand, I totally get the fact that we need to forgive others in order for God to forgive us.

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15

Yet, on the other hand, how do we protect ourselves from the sting, burn and ache from the pointy needles in our lives???

I’m well aware that continued anger will lead to bitterness and not forgiving others leaves us on a path that does not lead to our Heavenly Father.

So, what do we do when the pointy needles in our lives stick us?  Repeatedly?

1. Rely on God’s protection. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
2. Remember your blessings. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thesselonians 5:18
3. Trust God. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56:3-4

It’s no secret that pointy needles will poke us at times.  But the real question is who are we pointy needles to?  Ah ha.

Now, I’m meddling.

Honestly though, we can’t forget that we sting others, burn others and most certainly leave others aching in our quake.  It may not be on purpose, but it’s most likely happened (and probably more often than we’d like to consider).

Are we as quick to say we are sorry when we pierce someone’s heart as we’d like others to do for us? Hm…definitely something to think about.

Our world is full of sharp objects, but we don’t have to be one of them.  Life isn’t fair, but we don’t have to retaliate. Others hurt us, but we don’t have to hold on to the ache they leave us with.

Basically, humans stink.  In fact, my minister told us that ideas are great until people get involved!!!  Love it!

God is different. He loves us like no other. In addition, He uses the stings, burns and aches for HIS Glory and to further His Kingdom.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28

Trust in Him to take care of the pointy needles in your life and to heal your stings, burns and aches.

God is GOOD!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 2:1-22 – My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. …