Daisy and the Squirrel

This morning I was sitting on the side porch, praying before I began my Bible study. Daisy-kitty was out there with me, and as I watched her explore the flowerbeds I was grateful for this sweet, tranquil time in the early morning garden.

Suddenly, a large squirrel with a very bushy tail leaped from the roof of our house to the trunk of the ash tree, abruptly disrupting the peaceful setting. I think he was expecting to climb down and find his way to our neighbor’s fruit trees. But there I was, intently watching him. And there Daisy was – intrigued, mesmerized by this new attraction!!

Round and round the tree he went, seeking a safe way down and on toward his breakfast trail. Finding nothing that pleased him, he stopped…looking directly at Daisy (who really wasn’t much bigger that he was)…and started flicking his tail in agitation.

And as Daisy and I stared back at him, I could sense the frustration building. And, sure enough, in just a few moments he started his “bark-chatter” to express outwardly his grumbling displeasure.

So the standoff began between cat and squirrel…hunter and hunted…predator and prey.

I so wished I had my cell phone with me to document the drama as it unfolded. But I was out there to pray and study God’s word without interruption…without man-made interruption, that is. What I was witnessing definitely wasn’t man-made.

The standoff continued for several minutes before Mr. Squirrel began scampering up and down and around the tree trunk seeking a way of escape…evaluating and assessing each option. But that only intrigued Daisy more! She began “kitty-chattering” back at the squirrel and moved closer to her newfound playmate…toy…prey!

As I assessed the situation – sizing up Daisy’s LACK of size compared to the squirrel’s girth, I realized there was potential for a not-so-good outcome for either of them. So I tried to “shoo” Daisy back in the house so Mr. Squirrel could continue on his way.

But Daisy would have none of it! She pretended to comply and then quickly darted around me so she could keep her watch, uninterrupted. I moved in closer…and again Daisy darted around me and in closer to Mr. Squirrel…who “bark-chattered” louder and circled around to the other side of the tree trunk. I found it interesting that he didn’t climb higher, just around and away from us. And on and on it went…

What a sight we must have been! There I was, still in my pajamas, robe and slippers chasing Daisy, who was chasing the squirrel!

Finally Daisy ran around to the front of the house and away from Mr. Squirrel in the tree. As I followed her in hot pursuit, I cried, “Run, Mr. Squirrel, run!!”

But he wasn’t yet sure the coast was clear…for he had spied…another squirrel already foraging in the neighbor’s fruit trees! As I kept Daisy away for a few more minutes, he seemed to calm down and his “bark-chattering” ceased.

Soon I returned to my rocking chair on the side porch to continue my time of prayer and Bible study…Daisy returned to her place by my side…and Mr. Squirrel, seeing no way to continue on his chosen path, climbed a bit higher up the tree and leapt back onto our roof. Obviously, he was taking a different path.

Have you ever felt like that squirrel? The plans you’ve made are met by obstacles, people and things that seem certain to thwart those plans, and possibly even harm you. Try, as you might, nothing changes…the obstacles remain…staying the course seems sure to result in loss. You’ve prayed and cried out to God, asking Him to open that pathway…move that mountain…but this time He says, “No. I will provide for you a better way. One that will accomplish My purpose and plan.”

He did that with the early Christians (see Acts 8 and 9). After a time of peace, growth and favor with others, intense persecution began, and many of them were imprisoned and killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Before God moved these insurmountable obstacles, the early Christians scattered all over the place…for He had a plan. It was so each of them, wherever they went, would tell people the good news about Jesus…His life, death and resurrection…the good news that all who believe in Him may have life in His name, both now and for eternity!

Maybe that is what God is doing for you, too. Remember, He loves you; He is good and faithful; you can trust Him.

So, several minutes after Mr. Squirrel scampered away I heard a ruckus coming from the back garden area…and suddenly two squirrels ran along the top of the block wall by the fruit trees! Mr. Squirrel was being chased by that other squirrel, which thought the fruit trees belonged to him alone!

No rest today for Mr. Squirrel!

John 16:33 “I (Jesus) have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”