If you read my article, “Squishy Toes,” then you have an idea where I am going with this. If not, you will soon find out.

I miss the family Christmas get-togethers we used to have when I was a girl. They were so much fun and everybody seemed to be so happy. During this time, my Mamaw Jo and a male cousin started a tradition of exchanging gag gifts. Each year, one tried to out-best the other.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember all of the gag gifts, but there was one that I’ll never forget. It was funny and disgusting at the same time.

Mamaw Jo had a brilliantly devious idea. A couple of hours before the get together, she went out into Papaw’s cow field and scrapped up a squishy cow pile. She placed it in a box and covered it with tissue paper like you would a shirt. Then she wrapped it up in pretty paper with our relative’s name on it.

To say she was proud of herself was an understatement. Her gag gift wouldn’t be topped this year. No siree.

At the fateful get together, somebody placed the squishy present in our relative’s lap. He laughed and asked if he really wanted to open it. Taking his time, he pulled off the paper. As be began to open the box, another relative crammed her hand in the partially opened box. “What is it?”

At least Mamaw Jo was right about her gag gift not being out done.

“Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.” Acts 19:36 (KJV)

My momma describes being rash as, “Leaping before you look.” With that being said, when God tells you to do something, you do it without hesitation. But for the other times, how about we tweak my momma’s wise words.: “Stop, think, and pray before you leap.”

Otherwise, you may end up with squishy fingers like my relative. By the way, that stuff isn’t easy to wash off your hands or even your toes.