We are not called to fear, but we are called to be vigilant.
Last weekend, my hubby and I were having coffee at our kitchen table. There are power lines behind our house and we can see the path underneath them from our kitchen. It’s always interesting to see what will walk by. We often see deer. There’s sometimes a really big buck that walks by. We have a neighbor who lets his dog run on the trail. We have another neighbor who runs. There’s a kid who sometimes rides his dirt bike.
The power company only cuts the grass back there every three years or so, so at times it gets very tall.
But, last Saturday morning, a rather larger coyote trotted by in plain sight, just on the other side of our fence. He didn’t seem to have a care in the world. I was stunned. I know we have them around. I have heard them. I have neighbors who have seen them, but I have never seen one so close to my house.
I immediately picked up the phone and called my neighbor. He has a beloved cat who is the self-proclaimed king of the cul-de-sac and that cat didn’t stand a chance against that coyote. Thankfully, he answered on the first ring and told me that the cat was safely in the house.
I found myself truly annoyed at this brazen coyote for strolling around in broad daylight like he owned the place. Didn’t he know he was supposed to be nocturnal? Why wasn’t he following the rules?
What about the safety of all of the people who used that trail?
A little later, when I got over the coyote’s perceived breach of etiquette, I had to admit that what I really didn’t like was seeing such a stealthy predator so close to my doorstep. I have dogs. I have a neighbor with dogs and chickens and of course there’s the cat next door. While I know that coyotes are in my area, actually seeing one is a different matter altogether.
I needed to be more watchful and careful in the future.
When I thought about the incident a little later, I was reminded that our spiritual lives are very similar to our physical ones. We have another predator who is always seeking to cause chaos and as much harm as possible. Like that coyote, he is opportunistic and comes out when he sees the best chance of success.
But, we have better weapons on the spiritual realm. We have prayer and the Bible and we have the Holy Spirit. As people of faith, we have no need to fear him, because what is in us is much stronger than what is in him. Yet, we have to be on guard and keep watch for ourselves and those we love. Loving reminders, like the call to my neighbor along with prayer, can help the people who we care about to keep safe as well.
A coyote out in broad daylight reminded me to be vigilant with my physical and spiritual safety. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂