the squirrels’ lunch…

What I’m about to tell you is from quite a ways back, deep into my history – at least 30 years ago.  I was five. Danville, Illinois is where this account takes place, at the home of our pastor, Dr. Harris Stuermer and his wife Ann.  We had been invited over for Saturday lunch, one fine spring day and so, we arrived around noon, my mom, dad, sister and I.

Lunch wasn’t quite ready, so I found myself with my sister, sitting on the back patio with Pastor Stuermer, looking at his beautiful roses.  As my dad came out onto the patio, Pastor turned and said (not realizing who he was dealing with), “Well Ken, it looks like the squirrels haven’t had their lunch yet, either…”

Now I will pause and tell you here, the roses in their backyard were breathtaking.  There were large, pink juicy blooms as far as the eye could see.  (You know, I remember pink – but they could have been yellow or red or white – they seem to change color in my memory) But as you probably know, there is only one way to keep those kinds of beautiful  flowers around.  You must deal with pests by feeding them a special lunch, if you know what I mean.  And that is how Pastor Stuermer knew.  That is all I will say about that – but I had no understanding of any sort at five.

And so,  I began asking my dad and our good host, “But how do you know they haven’t eaten their lunch?”  And knowing myself, as only a few people do, I’m sure I asked again and again, to be sure that I was heard.  But no one seemed to be able to answer. Finally I gave up, because at five there are better things to do than look at roses and squirrels.  However, the adults on the patio knew.  But they also understood something my dad has told me over and over since that time:  “On a need to know basis, you do not need to know!”

Ahhhhh.

But yes I do!  I’m standing here at the brink of life with my little family in tow.  I have a lot of questions about what has happened to date… And what the future holds!  I need to know, don’t I?  *insert hands on hips here*  DON’T I?  *insert stomp of foot here*  This is all very real to me, right at this moment and I’m expecting an answer to my questions.  But instead, as plain as day, I hear these words:

I’m leading the way because I’ve already been down this road,
I’m bringing up the rear since I know what may come from behind.
I’ve got you covered from above, I’m hovering near all the time.
And I’ve hemmed you in on the right and left, you’re wrapped in my protection.
That blind spot you’ve noticed is not important, I see everything.  I won’t be caught by surprise.
So relax!  Because on a need to know basis, you don’t need to know – since I DO!

Time and time again He responds to me with care and affection like only He can. Its amazing how His unconditional love is always the answer that I need! What a loving Heavenly Father I have!  And on a need to know basis – that is all I need to know!

One of my favorite old songs reminds me of this:

When I’m weary of life’s tribulations, I turn to Jesus, He hears my cry.
He lifts my burdens and He gives me peace beyond compare.
My soul is resting in His care.
In times of trouble I have a Savior.
Why should I worry?  He’s always there.
He sees the sparrow and I know He’s watching over me.
My soul is resting in His care.
I’m in His care.  Oh Yes!  I’m in His care.
There is no problem or sorrow He cannot bear.
I will not fret, I will not fear, I’m not alone, my God is near.
My soul is in His care.

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Cast your cares on the LORD  and he will sustain you;  he will never let the righteous be shaken.  Psalm 55:22

(originally written on January 27, 2011)