Animal Control~

TGIF Greetings~

 

Last weekend Jorge and I were preparing to leave when we noticed a weird cat lurking across the street. When Jorge got a little closer he realized it wasn't a cat but an actual fox. I know! How crazy is it that there is a fox on the loose in Westchester? We both prided ourselves on the fact that our community is home to an exotic animal, and then Rayray saw the fox in our backyard.

 

Suddenly it wasn't so cool anymore. What if it has rabies? What if it attacks us? What if it gnaws through the hurricane glass on the window and comes inside and bites me on the neck? Yes, these are the thoughts that cross my mind. It doesn't help that in 1982 a big grey rat came up to me and nuzzled against the warmth of my neck as I was asleep in the sun. In other words, stuff happens.

 

Nevertheless, the fox has now come a little too close for comfort, so I called animal control.

 

But did you know that God wants us all to practice animal control?

 

Song of Solomon 2:15 "Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!"

 

There are seasons in life when beauty is in full swing. When blessings flow abundantly. When couples are in love, when children are obedient, when everyone is stable and at peace...and then something threatens.

 

It is different for each of us.

 

For a young woman in love it might be the pressure to have sex.

 

For someone on a diet it might be the lure of a cheeseburger, fries, and key lime pie.

 

For someone in business it might be cutting corners.

 

For someone in a marriage it might be the new employee down the hall.

 

We all know where our vulnerabilities are. I could walk past a strip joint all day and never give it a second thought, but would it be wise for me go to Fuddruckers and try to order a salad?

 

Isn't it interesting that it says foxes and not puppies, teddy bears, or kangaroos? Or for that matter, crocodiles, anacondas, and bats?

 

Foxes are sly, cunning, sneaky, and alert, but they are also kind of cute. I did some research on them this morning, and another interesting aspect about them is that some folks are buying them as pets. But they are highly territorial and must be constantly entertained because they are so energetic. I guess once they become a part of us they do not want to let go.

 

We must be on the lookout because they bring destruction. The good news is they can be caught before they ruin.

 

Besides, it is always better to practice animal control than damage control.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Your Word is so true. Help us be alert. Too many things out there are harmful. Do not let these foxes even come close to us, but if they do, either because they snuck up on us or we outright invited them in, help us catch them. Do not let anything spoil the blessings you want us to enjoy. And, because our children are still in the process of maturing, help us be on the alert for them as well. In Jesus' name, AMEN~