I love to observe nature. Last night, I was sitting inside the beautiful Gazebo at one of my parks because it was raining. Normally, I sit at a picnic table right under the huge oak tree in which one of my best friends, Rocky the Raccoon (and his wife and three little coons) live.

While watching part of the NBA finals on my little tiny tv, I glanced over toward the edge of the cement. There were two beetles, both on their back, flailing their legs at about 250 mph! (g)

Shaq made a great play and slam dunked the ball, so my attention was brought back to the game. After a few minutes, I looked over and the beetles had not been the least bit successful in righting themselves. They had another problem developing. Large ants were already trying to eat their carcass before it actually became a carcass!

I realize that I interfered with the natural cycle of things. Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, ants gotta eat, on that you can rely…! I just couldn’t let the beetles go out that way even though I know that in nature these June bugs are incapable of rescuing themselves from this backside dilemma.

So, I took the toe of my tennis shoe and put them both right side up and watched them scamper off into the plants. I think I heard them say, “Na Na Na Na Na!” to the ants, but I couldn’t swear to it. (g)

As I went back to the game, the Lord seemed to say to me that there was a lesson for me in that little scenario. All of us get into life situations sometimes that put us, sometimes literally, on our backs. Illness, financial reversal, family/marriage problems, adoption of personal bad habits, etc. are just a few of the things that can put us on our back.

We can struggle, flail the air with all our limbs, and still find ourselves on our back, losing strength and thinking of giving up the battle. Our greatest friend is Jesus. However, He has given us friends here on Earth who can take the toe of their tennie and, through prayer, practical help, etc., help get us back on the right side again.

I thank God for many of those kinds of friends who, over the years of my life, chose to encourage, build up, help in practical ways make my life manageable again. Without them, I’m sure the “ants” would have devoured me. There are lots of “ants” (nay sayers, criticizers, backbiters, anti-encouragers, etc.) in our lives. Praise the Lord for those who accept us as we are and push us to overcome adversity in order to get our equilibrium back.

When you respond this week, I’d like to hear your stories of your tennis toed friends who have meant a lot to you because of their helpful ways. Your story can help encourage other of our readers. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below and let the stories flow.

SOME RESPONSES TO “UNINTENTIONAL BBQ”

– Oh, Dear Jerry. This was SOOOOOO sad. BooHoo! That poor hen and those other animals. How terrible to burn like that. She saved her baby chicks. Boy, if that isn’t a perfect example of the love of the Lord by something as small and unintelligent as a little ol’ hen. We should all take a lesson from that little hen. It brings to mind one of my favorite scriptures. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

– Moms always try to protect their young. The human ones rebel sometimes though, don’t they? May God Bless you and your family.

– In the storms this week, a Father was found in his wrecked mobile home covering his children. He did not survive. His little ones did. They had serious injuries but will be well again. That hen did the same. Most living creation have that quality We humans are given reason and can choose. It is God who gives us the wisdom to choose the right path.

– I would bet that you will get a number of good responses to this one. What a story with that hen! Do you mind if I use it for an illustration, should the right opportunity arise?

– Been praying for Debbie and those you mentioned who have cancer.

– Quite humorous in some ways, but also very devastating to the owners. But, the story of mama hen is so true to their ways. They protect their young ones and give their life. This reminds me of Jesus and His willingness to sacrifice His life for you and me and whole world. Brings tears to my eyes when I picture Him on that cruel cross and yet gives me hope that this wayward sinner can actually go be with Jesus for all eternity. What a prize He has given us.

Praying for your friends with cancer, the young lady and your daughter-in-law. I need prayers myself today as this new chemo has me down for the count. I am sleep deprived, in pain and very down but because HE lives, I will bounce back. Just need some extra prayers today as I sit here in tears. Not the usual me is it, Jerry? I don’t like being like this. God will see me through. I just have to let go and let Him take over my every breath.

– Well, that story brought tears to my eyes for a couple of reasons. One, I am an animal lover, so any injury or death to an animal immediately makes me sad. Second, it reminded me that’s what Jesus did; He gathered us under his “wings” to protect us from death. Thank goodness He did!

– That is why, “…the children of men put their trust under the shadow of [His] Your wings.”

– Food for thought, huh, Jerry (pun and no pun intended)? It’s getting me hungry (LOL). Your stories make me feel like I’m part of your family.