Rev. E. Anderson
The Wasp Which Went to church
It was a beautiful Sunday morning when an adventurous little wasp left his home in the hollow trunk of a tree, and excitedly flew over the fields. He was at peace ‘with the world, for the warm sunshine made him feel particularly pleased with himself. Here and there he paused to examine tree trunks and plants, but an undeniable urge forced him onward. And then quite suddenly he saw a church. Its lofty steeple pointed heavenward, and everything about the building suggested solidarity and calm. Almost without realizing he was changing the direction of his flight, the wasp veered from his course and approached the house of God. He felt ashamed; he had not been in church for ages! His exhilarating buzzing became less audible as he admitted, “Yes, I have been very wicked. I must alter my ways”; and as determination shone in his eyes, he added, “And I’ll start now.”
The minister was preaching; his audience was enthralled and captivated by his brilliant oratory: this was a magnificent sermon! Alas, it was soon to be ruined by an unexpected visitor. The well-meaning wasp flew in through the open window, and as he circled the congregation, many eyes followed his flight. The minister frowned! The people should learn to concentrate! The wasp seemed to be looking for a seat. His intentions were sound; he desired to be friendly. After all, this was the house of God, where all people were brethren. Ah! the very place. The young ladies were most attractive. They were youthful and pretty; their dresses were most colourful, and the flowery patterns made him think of green meadows filled with daisies and buttercups. Yes, it would be wonderful to sit beside these girls. The young lady at the end of the seat shuddered, and moved nearer to her companion. Oh! the wasp was down! Good gracious, the thing was crawling along the seat! She clutched her hymnbook, and the minister frowned again. His audience was becoming restless. And the wasp crawled on. Bang!
Of course, the girl missed, and the startled wasp hurriedly made off toward the ceiling. What was this? She bad tried to kill him, and he only wanted to be friendly. Were all church people hypocrites? He sighed and said, “Certainly not. She was but a child. Forget her, little wasp, and try again. Ah, that Granny. Isn’t she nice? So quiet and dignified-a veritable mother in Israel. Her smile would be a benediction. I’ll sit by her.” When Granny saw him, she nervously placed her back against the wall, and wished she could escape through a non-existent door. That wasp was coming along the seat. Dear, dear me! She clutched her umbrella; no, that would be useless. She seized her bag-no, that would be inadequate. Her hymn book- ah. She prepared to defend her territory, and in blissful ignorance of the reception awaiting him, the wasp crawled nearer. Fortunately he paused, and as he did so the silence of the sanctuary was shattered by the crashing hymnbook. Indeed, the draught lifted him from his feet. Granny’s face was flaming and so also was his own heart as he flew against the ceiling.
Furiously he buzzed around the church. This was maddening; even the minister resented his coming to the service-and he was supposed to shepherd the flock of God. Buzz, buzz, buzz, went the overworked wings. And then a still small voice seemed to say, “Calm yourself. That old woman belied her appearance. She’s old and cantankerous. She’s peevish and hard to live with. Forget her, and try the patriarchs of the church. See those deacons all sitting together in the front row.
What a fine lot of holy gentlemen! They pray like angels, and lead most of the meetings.” The wasp calmed down. Yes, he had been somewhat rash. He circled twice over the heads of the benign old men, and then came in to land. Horror of horrors! They were striking while he was still in mid-air. One after the other, they almost flung their books at him, and the service was in an uproar. The young people were giggling; the children were openly laughing.
Even the minister had placed his hand upon a hymnbook. This was an anti-aircraft unit! Swish, whizz, bang, went the books; and suddenly the little visitor lost his temper. If this were God’s house, He could keep it. If these were God’s people, He was welcome to them. Bah! Infuriated, he flew through the window; but he made one mistake. He blamed the young lady, the old Granny, and especially the deacons; yet all the time, the cause of the trouble lay in himself.
The wasp seems to have many cousins! People who spend their time criticizing others generally possess the greatest of all stings!
Ivor Powell
