The Best Field Guide
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
In Tioga County, PA, you’ll find a new Rail Trail of about sixty miles, and it is making a name for itself. It meanders down through the deep, shadowy mountain gorges and has become quite popular with health-minded, back-to-nature tourists. The creatures found in the local wilds are ever-present from bear to porcupines and even rattlesnakes and copperheads. While seeing a rattler (not in captivity) is on my bucket list, I still will adhere to the many warning signs all along the way. Marianne Campbell (All God’s Creatures) shares her thoughts about identifying danger.
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Recently my friends and I encountered a four-foot-long gopher snake while hiking. It was crossing a wide path and stopped as we approached. It was so beautiful; I pulled out my camera and gingerly stepped closer to take a video.
“Keep going there, friend,” I said. “We won’t hurt ya.”
As if it understood, the snake calmly slithered away.
After I posted my video on social media, it immediately drew comments of “Run!’ or “Too many snakes!” One person responded this way: “They look so much like rattlesnakes to this novice. I prefer not to get too close to see if they have a diamond-shaped head.”
It’s been my habit, before going out on a trail, to study local hazards. Looking in a field guide educated me on the difference between gopher snakes, which are sleek and gentle giants that are not venomous, and a poisonous rattlesnake, with its distinctive diamond shaped head and warning rattle. I learned where I’d most likely see them and how to avoid the rattlers. My advice to a “novice” might be to get a good field guide and use it. Hiking is far more enjoyable when one isn’t fearful.
Life is too! When it comes to my spiritual life, I try to make a habit of consulting the best field guide I have: my Bible. For teaching me about danger and helping me to discern between things that are as harmless as a gopher snake or as deadly as a rattler, the Bible has it all. Because it’s God’s Word, I can trust that it’s well researched, accurate, and reliable. I’m grateful for the wisdom God makes available to me.
Knowledge is love and light and vision. Helen Keller
Heavenly Father, be our Guide in each task that we undertake. Help us to search Your word until we find the answers. Keep us alert, ready to go and ever grateful. AMEN.