Nocturnal Nibbler
Your words were found and I ate them, and Your word became a joy to me and the delight of my heart. Jeremiah 15:16 (AMP)
Living in the country, I think our welcome mats are read by all kinds of creatures; mice, chipmunks, bats, flying squirrels and the like have all resided at this address at one time or another. While we were not always patient in ridding our home of these nocturnal critters, currently, with one old cat, and 2 kittens, we are safe. Maureen Miller (All God’s Creatures) has a great message about her nibbled Bible pages.
*****
There were signs, though he clearly worked in the dark of night. Despite never seeing him, I believed he was there, evidence of his presence discovered in nooks and crannies, high on shelves, and behind books in my office.
It wasn’t until my family took a vacation, leaving home for a week, that he overstepped his bounds. Upon our return, I ventured to my workspace, a small building situated yards from our primary dwelling. There I found it, the frayed edges of my women’s study Bible—a Mother’s day gift from my daughter—clear indication that a mouse was sharing my tiny house.
I chuckled as I considered what to do, asking my husband how we might solve this problem. “Perhaps we could set a live trap, get the little guy out once and for all.”
We live on a farm, surrounded by acres abundant with rodents. Why this mouse chose to live in the confines of my office where there was rarely any food and no water—not to mention, no friends—was a mystery to me.
Finally, the trap worked, and our tiny guest was set free some distance from my tiny house. I imagined him scampering among the other field mice, telling them of the goodness of that one meal, unlike any sustenance he’d ever consumed. “I feasted on the Bread of Life, my thirst quenched by the Living Water,” he proclaimed.
And though I’m happy he’s able to share his good news, I’d prefer he not invite others to partake. Still, the signposts this nocturnal nibbler left on the edges of my Bible serve to remind me…I, too, should fill up on a portion of God’s Word daily, then share with others the joy and delight reading the Bible brings.
Gracious Lord, thank You for moments like these that a little rodent can remind us of a great-big God! Your life-lessons are timely and amazing. AMEN.