Nesting

Gabe went gadzooks the other day.

Our 8 year old, 90 plus pound boxer is a member of the Weber Nation. Our son wanted a chick magnet while attending college, and Gabe was the result. Awesome dog. Barrel chested and a fierce bark moves folk away from the door in a hurry...back down the driveway as well for that matter! When our son decided to join the Marine Corps after 9-11, Gabe become a permanent fixture at the dinner table, (he is a beggar, too!).

A few days ago he leaped off the back deck in hot pursuit to our back fence, barking wildly. Not knowing what had him so lathered, I followed him out to discover that a squirrel was scrambling atop our fence, leaping back to a tree, and then going airborne to our oak about 10 feet or more from the branch he launched himself from opposite the fence. Quite impressive! From there, Mr. Squirrel hustled to the top of our almost leafless tree...to the very top. The pinnacle of our tree had become the home of our ready for winter moocher. I had wondered what in the world was that huge clump at the summit of our tree...now I knew...a squirrel nest had been constructed and a family of furry tails now claimed squatter's rights! Good choice...they have a room with a view!

We have more permanent guests that call our address their home. The rabbits underneath the deck cause a commotion daily for Gabe. EVERY day is rabbit hunting season in the backyard. After taunting and darting around, they wear our old Gabe out and head under the deck for a carrot and a nap. They are not so lucky with our other pooch...that little white tornado has out legged them more than once...another story for another time...

The apartment that the squirrels have built has caught my attention. It is huge. It is secluded. It is safe. Our rabbit tenets also have found a place of security and supposed safety under our deck. The mice and the moles have not been so lucky!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:26

You may be struggling today with safety issues. You may have very real security concerns. Money is tight. The Market is in a free fall. Your equity is shrinking. Your savings are necessary. Your job may be on the line as the new fiscal year requires downsizing for your company. In just the past few weeks, unemployment is becoming real...very real. Ask the lifers at the Ford Plant, or the young executives at Pepsico, or those making your airline reservations. These are as tough of times as our nation has faced since the 70's and some say even as far back as the Great Depression.

That is when you have to take a serious look at the squirrel nest atop your tree. Consider the rabbits who have found refuge and are carefree. Maybe the Canadian geese that are migrating south is yet another reminder of the great grace of Almighty God that He has provided to give you the assurance that His eye is upon you and your needs. He pledges to you His watchcare and attention. He guarantees that since birds matter to Him, you especially do! The lesson is simple, obvious and current; "I know you. I love you. I am paying attention to you."

Here are better questions that deserves honest answers; Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Are you paying attention to Him?

Needs have a way of reminding us that we are more dependent than independent. That reality can bruise your ego and put a limp in your swagger, but it is a fact. That is why we 'worry'. We know that we just can't control everything. That is why we need to have needs. They force us to consider the squirrel nests...and Who feeds the furry ones in the cold of winter.

"Your Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

There are better and more eternal realities to experience that transcend your mortgage, your IRA, and your reduced fat Christmas List. Turn your attention to the squirrel nest...and then look a bit higher to Him who knows your needs and guarantees you His lasting security.