Lord, all living things depend on you.
You give them food at the right time.
You give it, and they eat it.
They are filled with good food from your open hands.
Psalm 104:27-28 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
Squirrels visit the birdfeeders, too; we have a squirrel-baffle attached to prevent easy access, though. But one particularly enterprising squirrel invented a work-around. Climbing to the deck above the feeders, it jumped onto the shepherd hooks. There it feasted – until it fell off. Again and again it jumped. I had to admire its ingenuity, and go refill the feeders.
On the ground, however, it’s every rodent for itself. I’ve watched as gray squirrels chase off the larger red squirrels. I’m sorry for Red, but there is nothing I can do: he’s even more afraid of me!
One day, I saw a lone red squirrel under the bird feeders. With no competition it was making the most of the opportunity. Then suddenly it jerked and became completely still, except for wind-ruffled fur. I looked and…
Yes! There was a hawk perched nearby. Because, unfortunately, our feeders attract all kinds of birds. (And that, cats, is why you can’t go outside!)
The hawk left hungry; it usually does. As soon as it flew away the squirrel moved to the safety of a bush, then ran to scurry up a tree.
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I love the hawk. It is incredibly beautiful and majestic – but terribly dangerous. And yet, and yet …
Oh, Lord! I delight in Your creation. But the darkness in it grieves me. Why should such beauty be so deadly? And yet, and yet …
How do the birds know to flee, the squirrels to freeze? You taught them, didn’t You? In this, as in all else, You have their care. (And mine.)
Psalm 147:9 says, “He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” (NIV) Herbivores, and carnivores. You provide for both. For all. (And for me.) And yet …
(“Who said anything about safe? ’Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” From The Chronicles of Narnia) Ah. Yes.
You, Lord, are great and powerful beyond all imagining. You Yourself are infinitely beautiful, majestic – and dangerous. You are King. Not “safe” as we think of safe, but good. Always good. Immeasurably good, and therefore trustable, no matter what. Amen. Always and forever. Amen.