Pumpkin Protection
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Proverbs 4:13 (NLT)
There is so much to learn about nature and there simply isn’t enough time to absorb it all. When I grow concerned about time management, I become aware that my own nature is in jeopardy. Twila Bennett (All God’s Creatures) shares a very personal message with deep meaning.
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I love learning from zookeepers at animal habitats we visit. This talk at Lion Habitat Ranch near Las Vegas focused on ways to keep lions active and engaged.
The keeper tipped an open pumpkin toward the crowd, showing raw meat stuffed inside. She placed the pumpkin on the empty main cage, and after she had left safely, a lion was allowed in from a side pen. He immediately ran to the pumpkin and with one swipe of his giant paw, tossed it to the front of the enclosure. He played with it, rolling it from side to side.
Outside, the keeper was filming with her camera.
As the lion trotted over to the pumpkin, he stopped short and turned to glare at the keeper. Only a chain-link fence separated them, and you knew from his stance that he thought it was too close. He made the strangest barking sound at her, not blinking or moving. The intensity of his stare and his ferocious defiance set me on edge as I watched this unfold over her shoulder. I knew that he couldn’t hurt her, but I was still surprised at the fear I felt. The zookeeper explained the predatory nature of lions and stepped back from the fence, giving him space to eat in peace. I watched in awe while the lion finally felt secure and ripped apart the pumpkin to get to his snack.
I found myself thinking about what I hold dear and guard. In Proverbs, God tells us to guard His instructions. His words are precious, and with them my life with be changed. How often do I read those life-changing instructions? Is my streaming account more important to me? Are my friends taking precedence? If I want to open the door to a close relationship with my Father, He has provided the keys. I need only to fiercely protect my time with Him and allow Him to open my heart.
Lord, as the lion protects his own, help me to protect my time with You and Your Word. Let Your wisdom fall on me and guide me forward. AMEN.