To all those who faithfully manicure on schedule, please forgive my ignorance for what is likely a known fact.
Yesterday, I painfully found out what nail polish containing acetone actually does.
A few weeks ago, I had the rare privilege of getting my nails done at a local salon, and I decided to do gel nails. Sitting back and having my nails done is a luxury for me, so I enjoyed my time there and loved walking out the doors with a renewed sense of confidence.
Well, since it had been a few weeks, the polish was starting to peel off on two of my fingernails, and we all know that chipped nail polish is just not attractive.
Instead of heading back to the salon, I decided to do the polish removal on my own. Since I rarely get gel nails done, I do not own acetone-containing polish remover. So, I headed to the drugstore and purchased a bottle.
Remember I’m a novice at this. I gathered all my items, sat down at my desk, and got ready to finally see my natural nails after a long time. I poured the liquid into a plastic cup and started the process. About 10 minutes in, I noticed a spill on my desk.
Odd…
Until I realized that the bottom of the plastic cup had literally melted off …and the wood on the desk where the cup stood was PEELING OFF.
The acetone had eaten through the plastic and the wood finish, leaving an unsightly white stain! After frantically wiping up my mess, I read the instructions on the back of the bottle, which CLEARLY stated that it should not be used near plastic and wood finish.
I had failed to follow instructions…and had to pay the consequences for it.
Psalm 119 is a unique chapter that talks about God’s commands.
It is the longest chapter in the entire Bible, containing 176 verses. Most of them, except for two (verses 122 and 132) refer to God’s laws.
With 176 verses, the psalmist must be pointing out an obvious significance to God’s instructions.
We all know, though, that it’s just so hard to follow even the easy ones…like loving my enemies or turning the other cheek.
What I find comforting is, God knows my weaknesses. When we KNOW God’s Word, but we have the hardest time OBEYING it, we need to surrender our will and ask God for understanding.
The Psalmist says, “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119: 73-74 (NIV)
HOPE! There is hope in His word. God’s commands gives me strength, comfort and sustenance like nothing else can.
There is no fine print. God has given us the blueprint to live an abundant life.
Our job is simple: read the instructions and follow it. And when we do, we can avoid the nasty spills and awful stains that can ruin our lives.
~Betsy
