When Garrison Keillor was a boy he was tempted to put his tongue on an iron pump handle in winter. He knew his tongue would freeze to it still he found the temptation nearly irresistible. He says, “I almost did it as a child and then I did not do it. Because I loved school and I loved the smell of chalk dust and the smell of books and of pencil shavings and construction paper and white paste. And the love of that room and those smells drew me away from that pump handle.”
Only our love of holy things—Jesus, His church, our family and friends—can keep us from putting our tongue on a deadly pump handle.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
— Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Lord Jesus, I love you with all that I am. Help me to love You even more. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.