An impulsive squirrel we’ve named Percy has claimed residence in our yard and is forever entertaining us with his antics. The new bird-feeder outside our kitchen window is made from an old tire, scalloped and laced in the center with mesh so bird seed doesn’t sit in rain water. This feeder, large enough to handle a covey of doves, now hangs from a limb in our red bud tree. And if Percy stretches far enough, he can hang onto the tree with his back feet, while holding the feeder with his front feet to grab his morning snack. His tail wraps around the chains to give him a safety belt should the feeder slip from his grasp. He is quite the acrobat and refuses to share his feeder with any of the other creatures that swoop in for breakfast.
He used to scamper away when I knocked on the window. Now, he doesn’t even glance over his shoulder…he knows it’s me and never misses an extra mouthful while extending his turn at the feeder.
This morning was one of those special spring mornings—not too cold, not to hot…just right. The sky was brilliant blue, embellished with new green of the leaves. Just gorgeous!
Percy took his time at the feeder even though others were waiting in line. He sat upright and looked as though he burped, then slid down the tree, moseyed across the yard toward the street, and sat at the curb waiting. Just like those silly, high-fiving squirrels on the automobile commercial.
A white car sped down the road and Percy waited ‘til the last possible moment, jumped off the curb, and raced across the road in front of the woman driver.
I gasped.
She thankfully applied the brakes and skidded to a stop, but the little varmint never slowed his pace ‘til he leaped up the other curb and raced to safety at the top of a tree across the street.
Percy received an outpouring of God’s mercy this morning…meaning the fuzzy critter didn’t receive what his foolish actions deserved…but God also granted him grace—He gave Percy something he didn’t deserve after deliberately running in front of a car—grace to scamper yet another day.
However, unlike those silly squirrels in that car commercial…there were no high-fives from the other squirrels.
But isn’t that just like us? We cavort through life, enjoying the thrills, pushing the limits—‘til like Percy, we decide to jump off life’s curb into the middle of rush hour traffic…I’m not sure we’re even aware of or praying God will save us from our own lack of good sense to stop long enough to ask His direction.
One day, when I stand before Him, I’m sure going to have some ‘splainin’ to do about ignoring wisdom and steadfastness—about setting my mouth in motion before my brain slips into gear—about reacting rather than acting according to His Word and His righteousness— always about scampering rather than spending quiet time before Him…in the Word…and seeking His wisdom and His direction.
Lord, please help me remember the picture you painted for me this morning at the kitchen window. And I thank You for the mercy and grace You shower over me each day. Help me always prioritize sitting before You when the day begins…bringing my mind, heart, and actions to You for order and direction. Please teach me to listen for the voice of Your Spirit whispering, “This is the way, walk in it.”
“And the earth was without form and void” (
I’ve photographed miles of Florida sand and waves, but when we arrived in Texas my heart’s desire was to become a rodeo photographer. But somewhere along the way the urge to write about Texas Rodeo families won the coin toss—and The Roped Series was born.
MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES 