By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

This tree was very near the Smoky Mountain cabin where my wife and I spent our anniversary several summers ago.  I thought this area on the tree was interesting.  I’m not certain what caused the damage, though.  Lightening?  No, that would have likely done more damage than just one spot.  Perhaps a bear looking for grubs?  Very possibly.  The point is, I saw what had been done to the tree, and I chose not to be there when the culprit returned.

Sometimes the troubles of this life come, not because of something someone else has done, but simply because we choose to stay where we do not belong.  Maybe that’s the reason behind the saying “curiosity killed the cat.”  Apparently, some cat died while in the midst of something where it should not have been involved.

Let’s practice that long-lost art called “common sense” this week.  Where there seems to be danger, where there are signs of danger, where we see damage caused by danger, there must be danger.  Leave it alone.  

I decided if a bear wanted that tree, he could have it.  If Satan is determined to attack this week (and he is), then I will remove myself from the situation and go on about the Lord’s business.  Do the Lord’s business this Labor Day week.  And be very much aware of surrounding dangers.

Just a thought.