(2 minute read)  Luke loves to work in the yard. The problem is he is allergic, very allergic, to poison ivy, poison oak and whatever poison plant there is. When he gets it, it spreads all over his body. It is excruciatingly annoying, aggravating and maddening. You feel like you want to scratch your skin raw, in reachable and unreachable areas alike. Luke found out that it is possible to prevent the agony. You may think this involves hiring someone to work the yard. No, not that. Luke realized that if he took the time, as soon as his yard work is complete, to cleanse his hands and arms, chances are he will not get the scratcheeees.

This cleansing process is meticulous and intentional. Luke stands over a deep sink. He uses a brush and soap. Slowly and methodically, go over all exposed surfaces. The hands take a bit of time, as he needs to carefully go over the crevices of the finger nail beds, the inside and outside surfaces of his fingers. If it was dirt it would be easy, but it is not. It is an unseen undetected oil of sorts that causes the reaction. Man o man, it takes work, dedication and intentionality to stand there and scrub, shed away and peel off this, this unseen thing.

Just as Luke is intentional in his actions, we too have to be intentional in shedding any

dislike – disagreement – disappointment –frustration – resentment  or downright hate

one might feel toward an outcome. Once there is an outcome, it is finished.

Life is too short to hang onto any hate of any sort. Shed it, peel it away and scrub it off. It takes work and intentionality, but is well worth it. Be meticulous and intentional in preparing yourself.

We all can practice this on Wednesday Nov 9^th as half of our country will resent, and downright hate the outcome of this election, regardless of who is the president-elect.

May God’s love strengthen each and every one, as well as replace any anger or frustration. May LOVE abound.