Coexistence

          The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is the most common centipede found in the U.S. They are sometimes referred to as “hundred-leggers,” due to their many pairs of legs. They don’t harm humans. On the contrary, they help you by preying on other common household pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, spiders, termites, bed bugs, and other small arthropods. Their long legs allow them to run fast as they chase their prey, pounce on them, and wrap their long spindly legs around them, preventing them from escaping. https:// www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/house-centipedes-what-to-know

April 22, 2025

Beloved:     
          Years ago I stayed with friends in India whose beautiful house is designed to catch every bit of moving air.  Even at the hottest time of day, it was amazingly comfortable.  One morning as I dressed, I noticed a smallish green lizard lounging next to my suitcase.  Wanting to be a good guest, I mentioned to my host:  By the way - it’s not a problem for me.  I just thought I’d let you know there’s a lizard in my room.  Oh it’s fine, she said, we just coexist around here.
          The lizard came to mind this morning when I saw another house centipede scurrying along my bookcase.  The first one got sucked up in the vacuum yesterday before I could miss it.  So I read about them and decided I’m glad to coexist, because on Sunday afternoon I discovered what I hope was a swarm of tiny flying ants (not termites!) in the carpet by my sliding doors.  I intentionally swept them up and haven’t seen any since but, whether flying ants or termites, the house centipedes are on the case and I’d rather give them my business than a man with a jug of poison.
          Naturally this got me to thinking about all the other coexistence any given day requires.  Neighbors.  Family.  Politics.  Weather.  Traffic.  The worries in my own head and heart.  The future and the past.  Money and the lack of it.  The fear of the lack of it.  Grief and trauma.  Chronic illness.  Doubt.  Shame.  Boredom.  Disappointment.  Anger.  Loneliness.  Longing.  Resentment.  Anything with which we wish we did not have to contend, and certainly not over time.  And yet, we don’t wish not to be . . . these are the bugs of being a human being ~ the bits that interfere with the better part which is joy.  And peace.  And everything that is beautiful and good, life-giving and kind.  None of it would break our hearts if not for the sweetness of what’s lost.
          And so, just like within my little house, all this beauty and heartbreak coexist within the skin of your humanity and mine, to be carried softly and tenderly through this world, that we might regard our neighbors with that same tenderness.

With the delight of Easter Sunday still in the air, I wish you a wonderful week. 
~ peace & prayers,
pastor annette

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