Oops!

It's one of my favorite bags!  I don't have many reasons to carry it, but last Sunday it seemed the ideal way to tote extra objects to keep our two grandchildren occupied during church.  I sat in my usual seat - front row, beside my pastor husband; bag deposited underneath the pew.

When it was time for the "children's sermon" and the children were called to the front, I began to unobtrusively move to a side pew to make room for the children.  It was then that my foot became entangled with the straps on my beautiful bag!  I fell headlong into the aisle.  I remember a congregational gasp and the anxious faces of several men hovering over me inquiring about my well-being.

As you may imagine, my embarrassment matched my pain at the moment.  I WAS able to get to the side pew where I examined the rug burns on one knee and elbow.  A well-prepared young mother passed a bandage up to me for my bloody elbow.  There was no way to cover up the hole in my black hosiery  when I stood later to sing in a ladies' ensemble.

In the days to follow, I've nursed several stiff limbs and am still trying to find a comfortable sleep position!

That such an innocent and beautiful bag could become the source of such pain and humiliation reminds me of the Bible verse:  ""Make up your mind not to put ANY stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way"  (Romans 14:13), a warning Paul repeated in I Corinthians 8:9 and 2 Corinthians 6:3.  Even beautiful and seemingly innocent words or actions can result in harm if not properly placed!  You can be sure I'll be more careful the next time I carry this bag - and hopefully even more thoughtful about my words and actions!