The SS KLondike
The locals of Whitehorse, Yukon, have some fascinating and unique pastimes.
Our tour guide on the S. S. Klondike shared with us that she used to go "gull
fishing". She would attach a piece of bread to the hook of a fishing pole, and
when the hapless gulls came in for a handout, they would find themselves with a
hook firmly attached in their throats.
"What did you do then?" I asked.
The response shocked me: "I would use it as a kite!"
You may think this is a bit lugubrious, and I would wholeheartedly agree. Before
I could judge her however, memories of my own experiences with gulls, back in my
younger days, returned to haunt me.
I was picnicking with some friends in Annecy, France, and we were seated on a
bench overlooking its beautiful lake. Naturally a few of these two-winged
beggars dropped in. They stared at us with their droopy, hungry eyes, and I just
couldn't resist. I had just covered my bread with my favorite spread, Dijon
mustard, and I tore off a mustard-covered corner and threw it at him. The
mustard didn't seem to phase the gull at all, however, for without hesitation he
gobbled it down, never flinching to the spicy condiments. In fact, he returned
to beg for more! Wow. I had finally met a living being that liked spicy food as
much as I do!
In retrospective I realize that I should have taken the time to remove that
spicy mustard from the bread. It could have hurt the poor bird's metabolism, and
instead of giving him a treat, I would have been a sadist. I would have been no
better than the S. S. Klondike tour guide of Whitehorse!
It's easy to point the finger and tell people they are wrong, but are we, in all
reality, any better? "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able
to save and destroy. But you-who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:12
NIV)
As I was thinking about all of this, my conscience took me one step farther: I
might not have practiced any gull fishing or kiting in my day, but I have hurt
people with my words and actions more times than I care to admit.
It is said: "Stick and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt
me." I have seen many kids being hurt by sticks, stones, fists, feet and other
instruments of brutality, but in all honesty, the incident is forgotten by the
next day (except for the cuts and bruises and the possible medical bills!).
However, I have seen kids marked for life by nasty words. Nasty words are like
the bait attached to a fishing pole that will transform the innocent recipient
into a ghostly kite for life.
Remember Jesus' own words: "Let me tell you something: Every one of these
careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of
Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation.
Words can also be your damnation." (Matt 12:36-37 The Message)
Let's choose to speak life to our fellow human beings!
What kind of fishing is your specialty?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.