A recent tour of the facilities at Prince of Peace resulted in an all-out assault on the paper wasps. They had built nests on the playground, under the eaves, on the windows.
The very diligent property manager was on top of it. Within no time, the nests were gone; safety restored.
But in an out-of-the-way spot, one nest remained. Nestled against the full-length window separating the narthex from the prayer garden, a huge nest lay secure beneath the giant leaf of a plant tucked away in the corner of the garden. Thirty or more wasps were still busy at work, while every other nest on the property had been destroyed.
It's fascinating to watch them, so close to the window that you can get one nose away in complete safety. They have not a care in the world except to build, create, lay eggs, feed, or whatever it is they are doing. They want nothing to do with anything or anyone, unless the nest is threatened. Then they are fighting machines, working as a team to sting whatever has compromised their home.
That's why we spray them; because they might sting us if we disturb their nest unaware. But perhaps we need new policies. Rather than strike preemptively, why don't we live and let live? Why don't we remove the present dangers and leave the rest alone? Why don't we walk the yard respectfully?
Perhaps we need new policies not just with wasps, but with every living thing. Why don't we remember the sanctity in nature, including other people, and thank the God who made us all, even the wasps? Why don't we walk the earth respectfully, risking getting stung once in a while? Want more? Click here to read Psalm 104.
