Whatever It Takes
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
I love helping nature (bird seed, deer corn and apples) but I get a little irritated when unwanted guests invite themselves in to partake of the feasts. Some would say, “You are asking for it!” but I so enjoy watching wildlife. Sandy Kirby Quandt (All God’s Creatures) shares a devotion that will make you ponder just how far you’d go to accomplish a mission.
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It was dark when I woke. Our dog followed me to the kitchen. Instead of going to the door to be let out, however, Newton stopped. He looked at the door. Then looked at me. Obviously, something wasn’t right. I edged to the door and peeked through the window.
A mother raccoon with three babies were huddled on the enclosed porch by the doggie door next to Newton’s food bowl. I watched as she stood on her hind legs and grasped the food bowl with her front paws. She lowered the bowl from the stand it sat on, placing it on the floor. Once the bowl was within reach, her babies ate Newton’s leftover kibble. When they finished, the mother led them back outside.
That night I covered the doggie door with the board designed to keep unwanted guests out. The next morning, I discovered it hadn’t done its job. The determined mother gnawed a corner of the board away until it was large enough for her family to fit through.
After that, I moved the dog bowl inside to the kitchen. The mother racoon made one more visit. Finding no food, I figured she must have moved on.
I admire that racoon mother. When an obstacle got between her and her goal, she wasn’t deterred. Instead, she removed the obstacle. I don’t know how long it took her to gnaw on the board before she got inside, but I do know she kept at it until she accomplished her mission.
When I face obstacles that seem overwhelming, I need to remember the masked bandit on my back porch who refused to quit, regardless of the odds against her. In those times when I grow weary or discouraged, I want the kind of faith it takes not to give up.
Almighty God, thank You that I can lean on You and find strength to keep going. Help me to find Your purpose for my life. AMEN.
Photo Michael Johnston