My wife calls my daughter “squirrely girly”. My daughter in a high squeaky voice replies. “No, you’re squirrely!” I enjoy listening to their playful banter, but no longer can my wife proclaim our daughter to be the squirreliest member of the family. As of this afternoon, we have added two baby squirrels to our collection of people, cats, fish, frog, and dog. How this situation came about and how it relates to Christianity will be the focus of the next few paragraphs.
I am passionate about cutting down trees and chopping wood. I enjoy smelling like chainsaw gas and walking around with wood chips in my beard. Currently, I am in the process of clearing out some brush so I can pull an existing shed to a new location near my cabin. The biggest concern to me loomed in the form of a large maple tree. That maple tree leaned toward the cabin, but also twisted in other directions. I fearfully envisioned falling the tree and watching it smash into the cabin roof. Fortunately, this tale does not end that way. Utilizing chainsaw and wedge, the tree fell away from the cabin. All did not end so simply though. While saving the cabin, I also snared the tree up in another tree. No stress, by cutting the hung up tree in chunks, the trouble quickly dislodged. After picking up a bit of brush, I noticed some blood all over the face of a log. Immediately, I checked my own digits and legs. No blood! Whew. So what was the source of the blood? Unbeknownst to me, I cut a mother squirrel in half. I found the part still alive and put her out of her distress. Moments later some “chittering” came from the hollow of one of the cut up logs. Surprise! Instant adoption of motherless baby squirrels.
Take a moment and consider the whole plight from the view of the squirrels. Happily they rested in their warm little tree hollow. Then along with a piercing loud noise, their home began to tremble and shake. Soon thereafter, their world literally came crashing down. Oh, what a terrible fright the little squirrels must have had as closer and closer the saw worked toward them, chunking the tree bit by bit. Mother squirrel cradling her young, worried about protecting them, just to have her life be the one taken. Now the little squirrels rely completely upon me for survival.
At least four Christian concepts can be drawn from the day’s squirrely adventure.
First, death can come at any time. The author James calls life a vapor and notes its brevity (James 4:4). Woe to those such as the man who relies on great plans beyond today without getting their spiritual house in order (Luke 12:16-21).
Second, we will not always be there for our young. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 pleads with Israel to teach their young all the commands of the Lord. They must be encouraged to listen and obey. Long after our death, the sound principles imparted to our children guide them safely through life (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Third, adoption exists for individuals in need. Matthew 5:3 quotes Jesus saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Again in Matthew 11:28 he said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Jesus calls men to him so that they may receive adoption from the Father. Adoption of those in need (and all need God) comes from the plan of the Father because of His love for mankind (Ephesians 1:3-6, John 3:16).
Finally, life exists for those who accept the care offered them. What happens to those who reject the spiritual nourishment and care of the Lord? They will hunger, they will weaken, and they will die. Jesus provides the words of life (John 6:68). He desires man to live and their hunger to be filled (Matthew 5:6). Hear his words: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Matthew 23:37) Unfortunately, many reject his blessings and he therefore rejects them (Matthew 10:33). Men die, because they reject life.
Some folks conclude life is squirrely. We do not know when it will end. We do not know how long we will be here for our youth. However, we can trust in God to be there for us who need Him. He stands willing to be a Father to us. He will care and nourish those who choose to allow Him. What can be said of those who do not accept such blessing? “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” (Proverbs 28:26) Translation: Only a squirrely individual won’t hear the Words of God. What can be said of such an individual? They must be “nuts”.