The Monster in my Kitchen

A gulp of air stifled my scream. A gigantic, ugly creature blended into the marbled countertop. Its waving antennae, hordes of brown wings, and long, creepy legs revolted me. His beady eyes glared at me. I stared back as I planned his destruction.
What could I use for a weapon? I immediately scanned the sink area while keeping an eye on the intruder. The closest thing was a white dishcloth. While not the best item, it was within reach. Moving away to get the swatter from the pantry would give him time to escape.
I reached furtively for the cloth and held it over my head. With lightning speed, my hand crashed into the unsuspecting monster. I swept him into the sink. Dead.
A leg wiggled. He struggled to stand.
“Ugh! Ahhhh! Eeeeek!” I wailed as he fought. A knife slashed and stabbed to get him into the drain. Finally, he was past the rubber gasket and into the pipe. I quickly turned on the water and pushed the disposal button. His menacing body joined the flow to the sewer.
Relief. Peace. Then alarm filled my mind. Was he alone? Did he leave his family behind? How long had he lurked in the shadows?
A quick look produced no more unsightly critters. However, roaches usually stay hidden in the daytime and only come out at night. Others could be safely tucked away. Only the light had revealed the monster in my kitchen.
Often people have secret attitudes, thoughts, and actions hidden in the shadows too. Unkind remarks, gossip, prejudice, lies, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, drinking, drugs, gambling, pornography, adultery ... They all produce pain and destruction. Only with the Light are the monsters revealed and destroyed.

John 3: 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come to the light for fear his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. NIV

Dear Lord, expose the monsters and reveal the Truth. Amen