Anyone who loves being in the woods also knows that you are never there alone. There we are the intruders who step into the world where the citizens walk, and crawl, and fly; and you can believe their eyes are upon you.

Occasionally I have imaginary conversations with some of God’s critters. Sure it is crazy, but when has crazy kept any of us from talking? I stood by a small mountain stream when a snake crawled alongside. Both of us had our eyes fixed on each other.

As we shared the path together like untrusting friends I said, “You know that we really shouldn’t be talking.” “Why is that?” The words slithered from his eyes. “Well it sure got Adam and Eve in a mess,” I said. Looking like I had said the wrong thing he went into the water without another word, but I knew what he was thinking. “Let a snake do one wrong thing and the whole world never forgets it.”

“I will forgive but I will not forget;” How many times have I heard those words! That is a start, but not enough. Perhaps it would be better to “forgive and let it go.” Then when the memories of unkind deeds come around you don’t have to pet them, and neither will they bite you. Soon enough the memory of them will loosen its grip on your soul, and you can be free.

I can’t think of a time when Jesus ever brought up the old hurtful things that people said and did to Him. He went on with life and refused to get stuck in the mire of an unforgiving spirit. After the resurrection He never once mentioned the pain of the cross, or the evil deeds done to Him. God’s glory is always greater than yesterday’s pain.

My snake friend went on downstream. I will never see him again. Are there a few slithery attitudes and feelings that we need to let go so they can go downstream and away forever?