He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he – Proverbs 16:20
“Now I think you and I deserve a treat for our hard work. What do you say to a slice of peach pie with ice cream?” Grammy asked. “Yes, please and thank you!” Junior answered excitedly. “Hey, I noticed you’ve been rubbing your arm since coming inside. Is it hurting?” “No, but it’s really itching.” “Let me take a look at it,” Grammy said, pulling up her grandson’s shirt sleeve. “Yep, just as I suspected. A rash is forming, likely from one of the bushes we were working on.” “Grammy, it’s really starting to itch,” Junior grimaced. “I know. I’ve got some ointment to put on it. Just hang on and don’t scratch it. It’ll spread.”
In hindsight, I wish I had listened to the wisdom imparted by the fictional grandmother, Grammy. If I had done so, then I would not have suffered a bout of rashes that had initially been only a skin irritation likely contracted while working in my yard. I’ve learned the same concept of not rushing to relieve irritations beyond rashes applies as well. Hastiness can make any discomfort escalate into a major headache when the right remedy isn’t taken.
Scratching an itch—whether literal or metaphorical—without forethought makes the annoyance worse. Choosing to react wisely will produce a more favorable result.