Two Reptiles and a Rodent!

   Living near the small town of Springville in the foothills of the Sierras, my husband and I have observed all kinds of animals and birds in their natural habitat. Sometimes there are surprises, like the time a bear decided to take a nap on the weir for the irrigation ditch just behind our dogs’ yard! That caused quite a commotion!

   On a routine afternoon walk around the yard a few days ago, TJ, our black lab, stopped to dig in the leaves underneath a scraggly oak. Usually TJ is more interested in chasing lizards than digging, so I went over to investigate. He was crouched down on his belly, scratching at something which was buried down in the leaves.

   After telling him to get back, I managed to reach in between the branches and pulled out a large Western pond turtle! TJ, the turtle and I were all surprised! I decided to take it outside the fence rather than putting it back into our pond, thinking that the dogs might try to hassle it in the future.

   With TJ at my heels, I gingerly carried the heavy turtle over to a side gate leading to the irrigation ditch. It was very aggressive, kicking with all four legs and even trying to bite my hands. By the time we reached the gate, TJ had lost interest and went back to chasing lizards with his buddy, Teddy. So, I set the turtle down on the ground, quickly unlatched the heavy metal gate, picked it back up, closed the gate with my foot and then carefully placed it beside the ditch. It made a run for the water and quickly sank out of sight.

   The next morning, while taking laps around the pond again, I stopped to watch both dogs race through the tall native grass, their tails wagging. The feathery grass was waving with the slight breeze, golden in the early morning sunlight. Suddenly, a tiny mouse darted out from one thick clump of grass and headed straight for the water. It hopped onto a floating mass of pond weed, running, swimming and jumping across the surface of the water until it reached the far end of the pond. Then it scurried out and ran for cover under a bushy rock rose.

   All the while the dogs were oblivious, busy looking for lizards or maybe that mouse, which had craftily erased its scent by staying in the water.  What a smart creature! It was afraid, but at the same time, seemed to know what to do. That was pretty amazing—a swimming mouse!

    When we three returned to the dog run, I began to roll up their sleeping carpet along with the tarp underneath. A slim black object slid under the tarp, startling me. What was that? As I pulled back the plastic to investigate, a foot-long snake raised up its head. Even though it was little, it still looked intimidating. While I stood there wondering what to do, the snake turned around and headed the other direction, moving in one continuous “s” curve and then darting into a small hole at the edge of the cement. This time, the dogs were unconcerned, already asleep after so much running around.

   So what did the reptiles and rodent share in common? They were all startled, afraid and wanting to escape danger. My presence brought them even more fear! We humans react to danger in much the same way, don’t we? Fear can make us do some very irrational things. However, when we are walking in a close relationship with the Lord, the sense of His presence, protection and power over the situation gives us courage and the ability to be calm. We can be sure that He will take care of us.

   Dear Father, Thank you for being our good Shepherd. Your presence brings us peace and hope! Please grant us courage to face the unknown. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8:35 NIV