the eagle and the squirrel

I was pleased to spy the bald eagle this morning. He seemed to rule over the pond like a judge wearing a black robe. His head moved from side to side while his body was held rigid and erect. His golden beak hooked downward giving him a serious expression and suggesting that he would not be ignored or disturbed. But I've been thinking about a much humbler creature the past few days...the squirrel. We have many of these furry, fuzzy forest dwellers in our area. I've been amazed at how acrobatic they can be as they leap from branch to branch and tree to tree. I spotted one next to our driveway recently just as he uncovered an acorn that he'd hidden there...recovering it for lunch. It occurred to me that squirrels are the builders of forests. They don't always remember where they have buried acorns and the forgotten ones grow up as oak trees, randomly located by their unwitting squirrel planters. If it weren't for the squirrel, acorns wouldn't travel farther than the base of the tree they grew from. Perhaps we can relate to the eagle and the squirrel. Some of us are obviously in positions of power and control. Our presence is very visible and our actions obvious to all. We may cause others to react based on our body language...or even a stare. Others are humble and unobtrusive but as they go about their day we may plant seeds that grow in stature over time. The squirrel may not realize that he is building a forest and that he is providing future homes for generations of his descendants. As we walk through our days we also may not realize that our actions, attitudes and daily routines may be preparing the way for those who will follow, generations after us.

Proverbs 30:^24-28 There are four small creatures,
wisest of the wise they are—
ants—frail as they are,
get plenty of food in for the winter;
marmots—vulnerable as they are,
manage to arrange for rock-solid homes;
locusts—leaderless insects,
yet they strip the field like an army regiment;
lizards—easy enough to catch,
but they sneak past vigilant palace guards.

blessings to eagles and squirrels,

Rob Smith