Scrambling Squirrels

God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!” God created the huge whales, all the swarm of life in the waters,
And every kind and species of flying birds. God saw that it was good.
God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean! Birds, reproduce on Earth!”
It was evening, it was morning—Day five.
God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.” And there it was:wild animals of every kind,
Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.
 God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1: 20-25 MSG

Scrambling squirrels distracted me. When I began reading my Bible, sounds of scampering critters caused me to look up. For several minutes, I watched their fascinating exhibition. 

            When we moved into our new home years ago, spindly trees lined the shore. They produced little food and offered no hiding place for squirrels. When friends complained about the pesky ruffians, I had no gripes since none came to my yard. 

            However, time changed that. Bald cypress towered over my yard. The oak spread its limbs higher than the roof. Somehow, the squirrels learned about the changed environment. 

            A few squirrels would appear and run around the area. Then, a whole community of the creatures raced around my trees and yard in a frenzy. 

            Instead of merely darting from tree to tree, they developed a unique combination of running a few steps and then leaping higher than their bodies like tiny gymnasts. 

            Over and over, pairs would circle trunks in a game of tag. They tore through limbs, dropped to the ground, and ran to another tree. 

            I searched high above me to see leaves jiggle with their antics. The elevations, compared to their small stature, would be like me scaling the Empire State Building. They leapt from limb to limb and tree to tree at incredible heights with no hesitation. 

            Youngsters tried to keep up with the older ones as they bolted across the grass. A trio stopped to dance in a circle before resuming their race. 

            Their energy and constant movement astounded me. Occasionally, they growled or squealed at each other. 

            Tiny feet grasped the bark whether going up or down. Dizziness must not have affected their downward runs. Not one fell to the ground. 

            I had no idea why the small number quickly turned into a whole village. They provided enjoyment, amazement, and inspiration. 

            They persevered despite obstacles and faced the fear of their surroundings. In addition, they used the way God made them to fulfill His purpose. 

            As I prepared to go inside, a rabbit stopped to look at me, and a pair of Monarch butterflies flitted around my yard. More evidence of the beauty of God’s creation that continues to teach and amaze me. How thankful I am. 

Creator, the intricacies and abundance in creation delight and overwhelm me. I am filled with thankfulness for what You have provided. You constantly teach through nature.

Amen

       

 

Sunshine and Rain

Retrieved from my archive

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10-11 ESV

            Like a swarm of buzzing bees, the drone of rain enclosed my home. Morning light failed to break through the heavy clouds. A dismal dawn welcomed me.

            For over an hour, rain poured down. It hit the lake, my house, and garden. Gradually, the intensity lessened. Light drops pattered on the roof.

            Rain and gloom had replaced the previous day’s bright sunshine and dancing flowers. Instead of despair and discouragement, thankfulness filled me. Each flower drank its fill. The showers washed away dust and pollen. Much needed moisture restored my lawn and energized my garden.

            With only sunshine and clear skies, vegetation would dry up. But combined with rain, it flourishes. 

            In every life, there are times of sunshine and periods of rain. Though darkness and depression may linger, bright days will return when you trust in Jesus. 

Dear Jesus, give us strength and peace as we experience times of sunshine and periods of rain.

Amen

 

My Tranquil Cocoon

His house is my shelter and secret retreat.
    It is there I find peace in the midst of storm and turmoil.
Safety sits with me in the hiding place of God.
    He will set me on a rock, high above the fray.

Psalm 27:5 (The Voice)

Frothy waves tumbled to the shore from the expansive ocean. A fiery ball rose from the water and created a brilliant path of light from the cloudy sky to the beach. Pockets of blue burst through the haze.  

            From a high balcony, I looked down on a miniature world. 

Birds, hidden within palms and palmettos in the beachside park, sang melodious songs. A few walkers meandered along the boardwalk amid the foliage. Gopher tortoises peaked out from their homes. 

            Early risers strolled the shore. Sunlight reflected from car windows off and on like the lighthouse across the inlet. Surfers ventured into calm water to try to catch a wave but their rides were short. 

            The peaceful scene enthralled me and encased me like a tranquil cocoon. If only I could remain in my serene retreat to escape hearing and experiencing tragedies of the world. 

            From my vantage point six floors up, I didn’t encounter reality. No arguments or unkind words drifted to my ears. Distance blinded my eyes to glares and frowns. Everything below me seemed charming and blissful. 

            Even though the idyllic panorama remained the same, my focus changed. Not seeing nor hearing the tensions and problems did not erase them. Hurtful conversations remained. However, my ears also missed kindness and loving words. No hugs nor kisses could be seen. 

            The people below me drifted away as I rested and relaxed in the beauty of God’s creation. Soothing ocean waves and an azure sky brought assurance. I rested and relaxed in the beauty of God’s creation. There will always be trials and chaos in our world but within the midst of them, God provides peace, comfort and healing. 

Father, thank you for the beauty that surrounds us even when we experience challenges. Give us peace in our trials.

Amen

 

The Flowers

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

Vases of flowers filled my counter at Valentines Day. The bouquets went to friends in my community. 

            Later, I bought more flowers for friends who lived farther away. At the library where I volunteered, two friends received daises and roses. When another lady didn’t show up that day, the gift needed another home. 

            As I carried the yellow mums to the car, I knew who it would be. My friend, Sallie, and I often head to Culvers after working at the library. We had talked to a lady who worked there. 

            A few months earlier when the restaurant was almost empty, we shared our stories. That day she didn’t smile like she normally did. I could tell something was bothering her. 

            “This is the anniversary of when my husband passed away,” she said. I understood and told her of my journey of grief. 

            “I will pray for you,” I said when I gave her a copy of my book about grief. 

            At Christmas, my granddaughter, Molly, and I took her some homemade cookies. Every time I visited, I looked for her. 

            That day, I walked around looking for the elusive worker. She was looking for me to give me my order. 

       “These are for you.” Her smile widened when I handed her the yellow flowers. “Yellow is my favorite color. Thank you so much.”

            While Sallie and I ate, the grateful lady kept stopping to thank me and see if there was anything we needed. 

            As we were eating our custard, she returned. “The flowers are beautiful,” she said. With her hand over her heart, she continued. “But you noticed me. You thought of me. I wasn’t just a lady cleaning tables.”

            Her words touched my heart. I wanted to make her smile with the flowers but the gesture went much deeper. 

            Even though I often talk to people who serve me in the community at stores, doctor offices…, many times I am in a hurry or distracted. They probably feel invisible. 

            Her heartfelt words taught me that small acts of kindness make a difference. To love and serve like Jesus, we need to be aware of those around us. A kind word, smile or vase of flowers might change someone’s day. 

            I had no idea she would be getting my third bouquet that day but the Holy Spirit nudged me to give it to her. I am thankful I listened. 

Loving Father, help us notice those who may be feeling lonely and unappreciated. Guide us and teach us to love others.

Amen

 

An Unconnected Loner

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

On my daily walk, I noticed a sandhill crane by the sidewalk. The stately gray birds frequent my neighborhood but that one was unusual. Instead of walking the streets with a mate and two youngsters, it was alone.

            Each spring pairs of cranes stroll our streets with two offspring since both parents care for their young. After hatching, the babes resemble fluffy ducklings. Soon their legs lengthen and they become more like their parents in color and size. 

            Parents teach them to root in the grass for food. The foursomes roam and provide joy to residents. Cars and bikes stop to allow them to cross streets or at times, to linger in the roadways. 

            With identical coloring, I couldn’t tell if the solitary crane was a male or female. Every time I saw it, I scanned the area for other companions. Unfortunately, none appeared. The offspring would have matured and taken off. Since sandhill cranes mate for life, its partner must have died. The single bird was totally alone. 

            The bird searched for food but appeared downcast. No sound. No flapping of wings or looking around. Just trying to survive. 

            I can understand the devastation of losing a loving spouse. A partner is gone. Missing. A part of the heart is ripped out.

            But thankfully, we aren’t alone if we believe in Jesus. He holds us tightly and gives peace. Strength comes when we feel we have none. 

            God often sends people into our lives to offer comfort, companionship and friendship. Some become special friends and others may become new partners who all ease the loneliness. 

            The sad bird reminds me of how grateful I am for how God has continued to provide for me. Because of my own grief, I can comfort those who mourn. My faith has grown during my times of solitude. 

Father, you give us what we need during our periods of loneliness, grief and pain. But you don’t leave us alone in our challenges.

Amen

            

Wipe the Slate Clean

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:21-23 (NKJV)

Darkness covered the lake like a slate blackboard as snatches of light peeped behind the trees. 

            After dusk, night had overtaken day. But morning wiped the slate clean like an eraser on an old-fashioned blackboard. 

            A pink sunrise signaled dawn. Birds joined together in joyful songs. 

God brings new beginnings every morning. We have choices to make. Rehashing hurts and problems of the past bring unnecessary misery. Looking forward to opportunities and being thankful yields peace and joy.

            Wake up to a thankful heart. Practice gratitude to God for our blessings. Thank and encourage people near and far.  Receive guidance, peace and encouragement from reading the Bible daily. Listen to uplifting music. Use your gifts. Serve others. 

            Everyone faces difficulties but staying focused on God helps us get through our trials. 

Loving Father, like night turning to day, you wipe our slates clean too. Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you for not giving up on us.

Amen

            

Go into the World

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

An unlikely, diverse group of twelve young men followed Jesus for three years. He taught and they listened. Even though they were all Jewish, their temperaments and backgrounds varied. He gathered men from northern Israel and molded them into a team who would spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. 

            Only Jesus knew how they would be transformed from humble, mostly uneducated, teens into bold evangelists. He knew their potential when they didn’t. 

            Small groups and churches are often similar to that unimaginable group. With differing religious backgrounds, ages and cultures, people can come together to learn more about Jesus and His Word. During difficult times, they embrace and comfort one another. Also they join together in celebrating.

            However, Jesus never meant for the disciples to only meet together and become friends. His plan was to spread the Good News to those in Israel, both Jew and gentile, and to those beyond its borders. His command to the followers was to make disciples wherever people were. 

            Their journeys were not easy or predictable. However, except for Judas, they obeyed. People often accepted their teachings but many rejected and even persecuted them. 

Jesus’ command applies to us too. When God calls us, He leads but never promises the journey will be smooth. 

Loving Father, thank you for teachers and friends who help us grow. Show us how to study the Bible and learn more about your plans for us. Encourage us to reach out to those near and far who need You.

Amen