Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Gnat Issue

After our big party this weekend, we noticed that we had a few uninvited visitors staying behind. Have you ever had a gnat problem? If you haven't, I'd say you haven't really experienced this thing we call life. These are perhaps some of the most annoying creatures. They remind me that we live in a fallen world. Yes, God is making all things new and restoring the creation, but I don't think that He has restored these creatures yet.


Eeeewww! I hate them.

I practically had a meltdown last night in the kitchen because I am just THAT sick of having them in my home. After Brian gave me the "you've-really-lost-your-mind" look, I snapped out of it. He made me some new apple-cider vinegar funnel-traps and I calmed down significantly.

You see, I sort of pride myself on trying to keep things clean. Alright, I will be honest: I am a clean freak. I wipe down my entire kitchen every day, after every meal, with bleach or a Febreze/Mr. Clean mixture. It's just a part of who I am. Laugh if you want... It's more of an outlet for me than anything else. I just like things neat and clean.

So WHY do I  have gnats?

This ordeal has made me realize my own depravity in that I think that I should not be the one that has this issue because of the things that I do to prevent it. I am banking on my own works. I know that this may be a stretch, but the "Gnat Issue" has made me see that I am counting on my own righteousness in a lot of areas in my life. I should realize that it is because of God's grace that I am not overrun by the crumminess of sin. I think that even the fact that the gnats are leaving can be attributed to God's grace in my life. Crazy? Maybe. But this whole thing (especially last night's episode) has really caused me to think.

6 comments:

Amanda said...

we get fruit flies every year. I think it's part of living in Florida. The live and breed in cool, damp places - like your drains. I'm sure you already discovered this. Anyhow, I have never tried the funnel. I usually fill a bowl up to the VERY edge w/ apple cider vinegar, and voila, the next day I have hundreds of their dead bodies floating in it. Also, pour bleach, and then white vinegar into each drain in the house EVERY DAY until they are gone. The good news is they have a very small life-span, the bad news is they only hatch to breed. Also, if you can avoid keeping raw/fresh food out on your counters, etc., it will keep them from sticking around. Oh, and for the drains you don't use each day (say in the extra bathroom, or whatever) put a plug in it. Good luck.

kramusthinks said...

Good stuff Jessica! I sometimes have this self righteousness about certain areas of my life. For instance, grades! I put so much pressure on myself to get all A's that it becomes the focus of my life. It's gross, because the only reason that I am even in the ballpark of passing a class is because of God's grace in my life. He has truly blessed me. He has given me teachers that have been gracious to me. Thanks for the encouragement!

Jessica said...

Amanda: Thank you! Your gnat-killng wisdom is profound. I appreciate it very much! =)

P.S. I saw the lovely Donna M. yesterday at Hobby Lobby and she told me yours & Matt's exciting news. Praise Jesus!

Mark: Good to know that I am not alone in this struggle. Thanks for sharing yours with me. Your the coolest brother ever!

dan said...

why is gnat spelled with a g?

Jessica said...

I don't gknow. =)

Amanda said...

thanks Jess. We couldn't be more excited, in an anxious, overly protective kind of way. If that makes sense... :-)