One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering previously unknown (to me) aspects of God’s creation. I so enjoyed leading a retreat last weekend. Not only were there amazing women and wonderful stories, there was also beautiful (unexpectedly warm:) Fall weather. Flying into Kentucky, staying with my hostess in Ohio, and traveling to the retreat center in Indiana, I was introduced to all sorts of beauty uncommon to the panhandle of Florida.
In a late afternoon walk, I discovered something new, pictured below.
I am told it is an “Osage Orange” and that it repels all sorts of insects as well as making for a sparkly show in the fireplace when burned. Its nickname is Monkey Brains.
Of course my mind went to part of the subject matter for that night:
“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” Gen. 3:6
We don’t know exactly what kind of fruit Eve saw there that seemed so delectable. But it just occurred to me that if it was “monkey brains” maybe she wouldn’t have been so interested:)
On the other hand, perhaps she would because the tricky thing about temptation is that things that look as gnarly and unpleasant to the eyes can also compel us to touch, taste, test if we think they will give us a boost in the quest to make our lives work more according to our liking.
How about you? Why do the things that tempt you to sin seem appealing? What do they offer?
