Acorn Evangelism...Dang Squirrels

[htephil]

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I was reminiscing today about mast crops at camp over the years and the game animals spotted feeding on them....so I dug up an account of an archery hunt there in 2003.

... The acorns were spotty this past fall but I'd located a small grove of productive White Oaks on the southern slope of the ridge that drops away from the first landing. I decided to set-up for an afternoon archery hunt using a downed treetop as a ground blind about 20 yards away from an intersection of 3 deer trails. Only a few acorns were visible on the forest floor but the upper branches of the oaks were laden with abundant supply ready to drop. Soon after settling in and mentally picking out possible shooting lanes, the sound of rustling leaves being kicked up by approaching critters got my attention. I felt that the sound was being made by squirrels...but have been badly mistaken in the past so I shifted into a shooting position and got ready . "Dang squirrels" I thought as 2 grays bounced into the grove. Their antics brought them numerous imaginary deaths as they noisily disturbed my hunt. Eventually though, I started concentrating on their efforts and realized that here was an opportunity to learn something. I leaned back and watched as they climbed effortlessly to the highest branches of the mighty oaks above the forest floor, clinging to the smallest twigs while using their sharp teeth to cut loose small clusters of nuts. They'd scamper back down the trunk to retrieve and bury the results of their quest. Sometimes they seemed to be working as a team, but then the next moment hotly pursuing each other over some unseen territorial infringement.

I began to realize that the efforts of these little rascals would results in a few of the buried acorns taking seed and regenerating the forest in time. Although fueled by instinct & self preservation the actions of these little buggers would eventually help feed and sustain future generations of their descendants.

That's when I began to better understand what it means to be a Christian hunter. We have the ability with our prayers & petitions to climb to the highest heights and bring back something to help others, planting seeds that hopefully take root if HE wills it. Even if we're not around to see the fruits of our efforts we need to be faithful in reaching out to others because this will continue to regenerate the Spiritual forests for those who come after us.

Saint Francis of Assisi said it best..."Everywhere you go, preach the Gospel and when necessary..Speak !" Tell someone that Jesus loves them, but do it by letting them see Jesus in your life. Forget the territorial infringements of religion and plant some seeds . God Bless all of you...Phil the Nut !