There was an Old Woman who Swallowed a Fly

I love this story! The predictable and repeatable text is a favorite for my students. They laugh at the pictures and easily repeat the sequence of events.

There was an old lady who swallowed a fly,

I don't know why she swallowed a fly,

Perhaps she'll die.

There was an old lady who swallowed a spider,

It wiggled and riggled and giggled inside her,

She swallowed the spider to catch the fly,

I don't know why she swallowed the fly,

Perhaps she'll die.

It goes on and on....

This morning this whimsical tale took on new meaning for me.

Today the weather truly felt like fall. There was a briskness in the air and my hot cup of coffee hit the spot. While sipping on the coffee and watching the news I noticed a fly in the room.  "That seems so odd since the weather is so cool", I thought to myself. After re-filing my cup and eating a muffin I returned to our bedroom to watch the rest of the news. 

Bang, crash, thud! The ironing board had fallen in the laundry room. Hurrying into the room I found it on the floor right on top of our dog's food. After placing it back against the wall I once again returned to my coffee. The warmth of the cup felt good against my hands. Coffee is so good! As i began to swallow I felt something in my mouth. "Was it a crumb from the muffin?"  

In a split second I knew that it was NOT the muffin, but the pesky fly that was in my mouth! I was the old woman who almost swallowed a fly!

When did this happen? 
While I was preoccupied with the ironing board. That is usually when things begin to happen to us.  While we are preoccupied with the things of this world, Satan will undermine, attack and distract us from the plans that God has for us. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2-3

Where have you been distracted lately?
How can you fix your eyes on Jesus today?

1. 
   
2. I love the chorus of this song! Turn your eyes upon Jesus
3. • Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
     Look full in His wonderful face,
     And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
     In the light of His glory and grace.
4. Helen Lemell