Mosquito Netting

"Now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known." 1 Cor 13:12

I've been thinking about mosquito netting.  Every afternoon and evening in  Indonesia I entered the safety of a mosquito nettinged-bed for rest and protection from mosquitos and other UFOs and creatures of nature in my room.

The mosquito-netting formed a barrier that provided effective protection when I chose to use it (which was 98% of the time) -- much like God's love and mercy.  The netting was flowing and free-form; permeable, not rigid -- also like God.   When I exercised my free will to get inside the netting, there I was safe from bugs and mosquitos -- like living in God's will protects us.  And from there, I could see, albeit indistinctly, all that I needed to see.

For me, the mosquito netting became a kind of a chapel; a sanctuary, if you will, even a kind of tabernacle where I encountered the presence of Jesus, sought his protection and care, where he came to meet me very afternoon, where I sought communion with him and would pray my (mostly) daily rosary in the quiet of siesta time.

The mosquito netting was there when I needed it, like God.  It was even there when I, in my free will, decided not to enter into it...again, like God.   There I learned I could seek and receive comfort from the harsh temperatures and sun, safe from the plentiful mosquitoes seeking my body's blood and putting me ever at risk for malaria.

As humans, we can pick and choose...to enter into the love and protection of God's will, or not.  

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua 24:15

God,  please forgive me for the times I have chosen to stay outside of your protection.  Thank you for giving me free will.  Please help me to choose you, over and over again.  And thank you for protecting me from harm while I was in Indonesia.