A week ago I blogged about our 3 pumpkins, all of which were coveted by a neighborhood squirrel but remained untouched. We couldn’t figure it out till we realized he couldn’t trust the clear glass table to hold him. Though he ran along the railings and could easily have jumped, he never did.

Until it snowed.

The thinnest covering of snow suddenly made the table appear solid, and even as the storm continued, the squirrel made his railing-to-table leap and dug in.

Tiny bits of white pumpkin seeds flew as he nibbled, filling his cheeks with the moist “meats” he’d been craving for weeks.

Once the first pumpkin had been emptied, he moved on to the second…. and yesterday, the third.

As I worked at cleaning house for Thanksgiving, I passed the windows many times, always glancing toward the picnic table.

He was there, then gone, then there, then gone, as he made multiple runs to his nest to “wallpaper” it with winter’s food stocks.

Scripture speaks to the benefits of diligence, using ants as an upstanding example of industrious behavior. God wants us to notice the unending parade of tireless workers who labor throughout the summer and well into the fall, stockpiling food. Proverbs then adds, “The ant has no commander, no overseer or ruler,” yet the entire colony works together to accomplish its common goal. (6:7-8) Impressive indeed.

The writer of Proverbs also says that if we consider the ants (in other words, study them and adopt their habits), we will “be wise.” (6:6) So we’re to conclude, then, that planning ahead and conscientiously acting on those plans is godly wisdom.

Diligence is a character trait highly prized in the Bible. References are made to being diligent in our study of the Word, in our work, in helping the needy, in pursuing godliness, in our leadership roles, in being examples to others, and most importantly, in obeying whatever God tells us to do.

If this seems like an awful lot of hard work, Proverbs also says that when we follow through diligently, the Lord will see to it we’re rewarded.

As for our backyard squirrel, I had planned to set the pumpkins in the yard for his Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, but by way of his diligence, he got to start his feasting ahead of time.

“The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4)

Praising and Praying with Mary

1. Praise for a safe trip to Arkansas, despite lots of traffic and snow!
2. Please pray that in these next 5 days I’ll be able to maximize opportunities to talk about eternity and God, especially with the younger generation.
3. Pray I’ll have the energy and strength to participate in all the group activities, especially with our 10 grandchildren. The oldest (twins) turned 13 today!