My Nemesis
Linda Soller | Jun 23, 2025
There are many of you out there who would say summer is your favorite season. It’s not mine. I’ve recently been reminded of why. First there is the heat and humidity. Let’s face it, you can only take off so much clothing before you are indecent. But even more important to me is dealing with my nemesis, the mosquito. Actually, I should note that as a plural. I was born to serve as a juicy morsel for mosquitoes. It’s an honor I would gladly relinquish. Just the other day I discovered, via fits of itchiness, ten mosquito bites on my body. One is irritating, two is annoying, but ten is driving me to distraction. To make matters worse they don’t go away quickly. They linger for days as though they know it’s just a matter of time before reinforcements arrive.
All of that being said, I don’t spray my yard because I value nature and don’t want to poison the birds who eat mosquitoes. Instead, I stage a private war. My perfume of choice being bug spray. It’s not a scent for everyone, or anyone, but it’s a necessity for me. Today I awoke, trying not to scratch, and thought enough!
Mosquitoes, you may be my nemesis, but I will not let you continue to rule my thoughts and actions. Life is too short to spend so much time moaning about a bug.
In my prayers I often ask for patience and calm. I understand God understands my initial responses to things, and He sees that I could use assistance in both areas. In my battle, I will pray for both patience (healing), calm (no scratching), and I will add hope (a more positive attitude). All are important and all are well within His powers. The question is whether I can hold up my end of the deal. I’ll start by not thinking of mosquitoes as my nemesis and call them my unwanted visitors of summer. Sounds slightly nicer. I will continue to protect myself, but I will not focus on them or let them control my mood. What is your nemesis?
Be strong in the Lord and be kind!
Linda
PS – I will have plenty of after bite creams on hand! Just to be safe.
