Got Bees?

December 3

Galatians 6: 9-10 – “So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”

“Busy as a bee.”  No one ever equates a bee with laziness.  These extraordinary little insects seem to never tire or rest.  They have a one track mind…find flowers, make honey.  Find more flowers, make more honey.

This past summer we were delighted (I think) to share our residence with a swarm of these honey-makers.  We had begun to notice a lot of bees buzzing around our trip to the mailbox every day and finally after a few days, we found their hiding place – our water meter.  Bill carefully pried the top off of the meter and there we saw a small honeycomb attached to the side of the meter.  We actually thought it was cool but after a few more weeks we realized this place was not big enough for the two hundred of us.  We called a local beekeeper and he said he would come and take the bees to a better home.  It just so happened that the grandkids were here when the beekeeper came!  What an experience for them to see how the bees would be moved.  We had cameras rolling with video and pictures as the beekeeper donned his bee suit and began to vacuum the bees out of the hole.  After some time, the bees were safe in their cage. He assured us that the remaining bees would disappear – he had captured the queen and they wouldn’t stay around.  He also said that if we had not called the bee condo would have tripled within just a few days.  The honeycomb had already tripled since the last time we had looked at it.  That queen must have been power hungry!  

We all get tired. Every conversation eventually turns to how tired we feel.  While there are many reasons for our tiredness, the Bible reminds us not to get tired (some versions say weary) at least of doing good.  We are to be like the bees and continue to work and build up the household of faith.  We are to be like the bees to be focused on what will build up.

It is so hard this time of year to keep from being weary or tired.  We try to pack so many things into our days (and nights) that we are exhausted and used up.  Our hives are packed and our honey doesn’t taste so sweet.  At a time when most of the people around us are buzzing (and some are maybe even using their stingers), it gives us a chance to look for opportunities to “do good”.  Your sweetness will encourage others to do the same and before long there will be quite a honeycomb of love and kindness.