Slivers

"But I say to you anyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgement...go first and be reconciled to your brother." (Matthew 5)

Anger. It begins as a sliver in the foot. A moment of surprising, intruding pain. Then it continues as an irritant. Each step a reminder of this foreign object lodged in the body. Each step pushing it deeper into the flesh.

The anatomy detects this intruder and wants it gone. This invader has caused infection. A white, puslike pimple coagulates over and around the sliver. Every step becomes more and more painful - the body screams for release. The abscess must be dealt with.

But no relief shall come unless the invasive, discomfort of removal is chosen. Ironic...pain if it is left untreated, pain if it is removed...

There is, though, no equality in the spectrum of pain. One pain continues in a festering, infectious pustule. The other pain has the propensity to bring health and restoration to the body.

Ah...but self removal can be a tricky and deceptive undertaking. Perhaps the eyes are unable to see the full magnitude of the thorn - so fragments remain. Perhaps the skill of the removing hand is lacking. But most likely self removal becomes a failing attempt because the hand holds the trump card. It has the ability to stop. When pain of removal becomes overbearing, cessation is an option.

So what can be done? What is needed? Two things really. A skillful surgeon and a determination to remain under his knife (or tweezers)- "to be hurt as much as he sees fit...and at his speed" - until the task is complete.