Sherbet

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Sherbet

The Virginia Living Museum found the perfect name for the unusually colored snake brought to the animal center. His name is Sherbet because of his orange and white coloring. The snake is actually quite pretty if you can use that word for a snake. He is a partial albino and also has some defects in his spinal structure that slow the digestion of his meals. His unusual needs are met by living in the Museum. He is easily handled and a good example that some snakes are not harmful.

When the handler removed Sherbet from his cage, a murmur of revulsion moved across the audience. Some people shrank back in their seats. I was glad I wasn’t sitting any closer. Obviously, not many were experiencing warm, fuzzy reactions to the reptile. The snake was docile, slowly winding around the handler’s arms and neck. Sherbet turned its head to look about the crowd, but with its color crayon pigment, the snake didn’t appear menacing even if it wasn’t a cozy, cuddly pet.

Perhaps the root of our repulsion from snakes, even a pretty one like Sherbet, comes from the biblical snake in Genesis which successfully tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Or is it because we know some snakes have a poisonous bite, but we aren’t sure which are safe and which are dangerous? Dislike of some species of snakes is misplaced. Similarly, we are tempted to cringe away from some unfortunate people in our society who suffer the consequences of abuse or mistreatment. God, give us compassion to contribute to solutions which equip them for productive, happy lives. Help us substitute prayer for distaste. Guide us into the responses which helps society. Give us your perspective on whoever we encounter.