Critter Lessons

Sometimes God teaches me truth
through the behavior of critters
around me.

Now, I’m sure that cat and dog owners
have lots of stories they could share about their
pet’s antics, but alas, because of allergies,
my house has no such furry friends.

Oh, we do have the occasional Florida lizard
that ventures inside our window screen
and surprises me as I dust
the artificial plant in the living room!

Well last night, as our guests were leaving
our home after Bible Study, and the front door

was opened a moment too long
an opportunistic frog
leapt right in on the tile floor,
past our legs and headed for
the computer desk off the

foyer!

Our front porch light tends to attract frogs
because of the other delectable bugs it draws,
but we’ve NEVER had one in the house before.
How interesting that just last week, the exterminator,
while making his periodic rounds,
said he would “take care” of our frog problem.

I suppose this medium sized fellow

(approx. 4 inches long!)
was following the “light” …
and certainly found himself in a foreign land!
Thankfully, the squeal that greeted his entrance
was one of delight and not fright…because it
was uttered by our last guest and NOT me.

It turns out this demur, middle-aged lady loves frogs
and the opportunity to catch one had her overjoyed.
A great reminder not to judge a book by it’s cover!
(I’m thinking of the woman, not the frog. LOL)

“Have at it!” my heart cheered and I turned away
so that my presence wouldn’t impede the free-for-all
that ensued.

After a bit of commotion,
three adults with a Cool Whip container
were able to capture the interloper as he climbed the
bundle of computer wires in the dusty
area behind my desk! YEAH Team!

With delight, my friend cupped the frog and released
him tenderly into the dark front yard.

Then, washing her hands with a contented smile,

she said her farewells and departed with her husband.
Truly, the frog made her evening.

As for me, I was just grateful he was OUT
of my house and I needn’t worry about a hopping
critter on the loose.
Certainly, being trapped in a human’s domain
would have sealed his fate because he doesn’t belong
in our domesticated space.

Then I pondered the gentle hands that rescued him
and I was reminded of JESUS!
How often He rescues me when I venture
into territory that is harmful for me.
He has set His angels to watch over and protect me
and I praise God for the strong arms that deliver
me from all kinds of mishaps and trials.

Thank You Lord!

Then today I came across
another critter “illustration.”

While waiting at a stop light
not far from home, I noticed a group of five ducks

sitting in a driveway, “drinking” soapy water

that trickled off a car a neighbor kid was washing.
These were wild ducks that grow accustomed to humans
and sometimes end up dead in the road.

“How dumb!” I thought as I watched them

drink the run-off on the driveway.

With a pond across the street, they
were “settling” for liquid that might harm them.
This time the human on the scene was either oblivious
or indifferent to their situation. Not at all like our GOD.

I can only guess whether the ducks
will have stomach distress or worse…
yet, I can determine to be watchful
over my own life, so that my thoughts
and actions don’t lead me into harm’s way.

How about you?

I hope you're not feeling ...

“jumpy as a frog” or “dumb as a duck.”

God bless you today and always!