Tiny Teacher
by Nita Gilger
This is the time of year when new life is evident all around us. Our large deer population is giving us many newborn fawns. It is amazing how quickly they go from a wobbly mess to springing and bouncing all about with abandon. Their spots give them some camouflage but their enthusiasm sometimes puts them in danger. It seems their agenda is to play while learning. Mom's agenda is to protect, teach, and guide them. At the ranch one late spring morning, I captured this sweet baby
Its awkward, gangly pose soon turned into prancing, dancing, and worrying its mom for its safety. Life can be unpredictable and fragile at times. I thought of Isaiah 41:10--"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."
Since I believe in the surety and companionship of God in all times instead of the absolute control and dominance of God, this passage comforts me. Like the little fawn, I sometimes feel uncertain or shaky with life's trials in this imperfect, challenging world. It turns out that I, too, am imperfect. I have free will to choose my path as is true of everyone who intersects my life. And yet, like the mother deer who delivers, protects, guides, feeds, and nurtures her newborn, so I experience the faithfulness and love of God to hold me and walk with me in all times. God helps me to find my legs and learn to walk, run, and spring all around.
Tiny Teacher
You arrived without much fanfare
little one--
vulnerable, wobbly, and new.
You looked about for assurance and help.
There in the nearby woods was your mom,
keeping a watchful eye and
a vigilant heart,
just waiting to offer you safe guidance.
Newborn fawn, you teach me to trust
when I feel unsteady.
You show me how to gain strength
and learn to walk, run, and spring about.
Learning takes time, curiosity, care, and courage.
And, when you and I stumble or feel unsteady,
we are given help to find our way
with the greatest love and care.
Springing or sprung? Maybe both
at various times.
But we are not alone.
Giving thanks. Amen.
Nita
You arrived without much fanfare
little one--
vulnerable, wobbly, and new.
You looked about for assurance and help.
There in the nearby woods was your mom,
keeping a watchful eye and
a vigilant heart,
just waiting to offer you safe guidance.
Newborn fawn, you teach me to trust
when I feel unsteady.
You show me how to gain strength
and learn to walk, run, and spring about.
Learning takes time, curiosity, care, and courage.
And, when you and I stumble or feel unsteady,
we are given help to find our way
with the greatest love and care.
Springing or sprung? Maybe both
at various times.
But we are not alone.
Giving thanks. Amen.
Nita