Attack of the Termites

Sunday I visited Ruziba.  It's 15 minutes outside of Buja.  While there I had to use the restroom.  Upon entering the small outhouse in the middle of a field overlooking the lake, I happened to look down.  Probably- not the best idea in most Burundian outhouses.  You just never know what you are going to find.  

In this particular outhouse,  I noticed that the floor was constructed out of 4 or 5 wooden planks situated over a cavern several meters deep.  Nothing unusual there.  However, as my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I suddenly realized that the floor was alive.  By that I mean, Africa's favorite little tree devouring creature- the termite.  My first thought was:  "hmmm....those pesky little critters are everywhere. Amazing! " 

 This thought was short lived though as my mind finally realized the implications of termites in the planks that rest above a cavern of Burundian.....yeah, so you get the idea.  I remember a pastor telling me one time that most pit latrines in Burundi are 3 to 4  meters deep.  This one was mostly full.    So....that's a lot of.....yeah you're still tracking with me.   

My mind instantly envisioned the poor soul who happened to burst into the outhouse in a bit of an urgent moment only to plant their feet on a plank that could no longer support the visitor's weight.  Can you hear the creak as the board gives way? Followed instantly by the- Splash!  Meanwhile, all the little termites are probably cheering! "Yay- we did it boys- finally,  ate through that plank. He he-- yet another happy customer".   Score one more for the termites.   Anyways, for some strange reason I suddenly  no longer had any urge to continue using the little outhouse in Ruziba.  

As I thought about how close I had been to a baptismal moment in the outhouse, I suddenly realized that this is a frightening image of many peoples' lives.  There lives are on faulty foundations.  Over the past few months the Lord keeps bringing me back to the basics, the foundation of my walk with Him- time in His presence daily and reading the Word. 

 I know it is simplistic, but when I was little my mom taught me a song: "Read your bible, pray everyday and you will grow, grow, grow. Neglect your Bible forget to pray and you will....end up in pit latrine spiritually speaking" Okay, I made up the last little bit- I admit it....but I see a daily dose of the Word and Jesus' Presence as the only way to keep those pesky little "termites" out of our lives- doubt, anxiety, fear, so called "minor" sins, etc...   In and of themselves maybe not too terribly serious-- but over an extended period of time they have a tendency of eating through our spiritual foundations!  Above all else may we guard our hearts- for there is the source of our life.