Scout, the turtle lives in the woods behind my in-laws home. The creek in the woods has been his home for quite some time now. But once in a while, he comes up into the yard, probably once or twice a summer, and hangs out with Emily. He is a beloved animal; fiercely loved by my sweet girl.
On his most recent visit, over Memorial Day weekend, Emily put him into a cage. She tried to feed him and give him water. But, he did not eat or drink. Rather, he made effort to escape. It was devastating for Em; she had big plans for Scout, most of which did not involve letting him go back down to the creek in the woods.
We had an interesting conversation on the way home from grandaddy’s house, where we had left Scout in the cage. Our talking was laced with tears and sadness. I asked her if she thought she should let Scout head back home. She wasn’t sure. What if something happened to him? What if another animal attacked him? What if he couldn’t find food to eat?
I couldn’t press her too hard…I have my own issues with letting go of my own beloveds, my three precious children. Tightly I hold on, as if they belong to me. I talk it over with my Heavenly Father regularly because my questions are similar to Emily’s…
But, what if something happens to them? What if they are in danger? What if they can’t survive on their own? What if there is no one to bake them brownies? and my questions sound ridiculous, but, surely no one can care for them as well as I do, right?
wrong. so wrong.
Well, Emily and I have come a long way. Together we prayed over all of it. We talked about how God created Scout and that He can care for Scout far better than she can. As she acknowledged these truths, I had to come to grips with my own reality. After all, it is only a matter of time. My children will not be caged here at home forever. As their estimated time of departure approaches, all too rapidly, only these truths can comfort me: The creator of the universe, designed and knows my children far better than I do. Anyone with designs for their harm, He can disarm. And, all that they need His hand is able to provide.
Job 12:7-10 says this:
7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Thank you Heavenly Father that the whole creation is yours and that you promise to care for each one of us. Help me to live settled in the palm of Your hand. Give me the grace to remember and trust that You alone are able to care for those I hold dear. amen.
PS: Scout is a free turtle. He has most likely returned to his home, down in the woods. We like to think he’ll be back for another visit soon.
daily portion 