My woods are deeply asleep beneath winter’s heavy white cover. There are no rabbit tracks, no sign of chipmunks or disruptions in the scape indicating an owl’s early morning breakfast. Only a handful of oak leaves are left clinging to their summer perches. The bones of the oaks, maples and birches are beautiful etched across a gray winter sky. It’s a short menu, if any, for the coyotes, bears and foxes.
I wonder about the chipmunks living in dark tunnels and rooms stored with seed from my bird feeders. During the summer months I watched them figure out how to harvest from the squirrel proof feeders. (There is no such thing.) They would stuff their cheeks and disappear into the cracks at the edge of the patio and quickly return for another load. I have a lot invested in those underground pantries.
In Matthew 25 and other places Jesus speaks of preparing for the future. If we live long enough winter will come for us. No one is immune. We will be required to call upon the resources we have stashed away in easier times. In Psalm 119:12 we read, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” If there is any correlation between the ease of winter and the amount of seed carried away my chipmunks will have an easy winter. We can ease the intensity of winter when it comes by storing up Scripture. “Though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil….Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” These promises are real and sure. It is a matter of preparing for winter.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 30, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, Ca 94574
Rogerbothwell.org