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| Not our squirrel. But similar :) |
There is a solid black squirrel that lives in our yard.
I had never seen a black squirrel before moving into our neighborhood. I started to regularly observe a black squirrel on my morning walks a few years ago, and was excited to consider it a rare sighting. My interest was peaked when one took up residence in our yard earlier this year. It seems that black squirrels are a bit rare.... only 1 in 10,000 squirrels don a black coat.
Our squirrel catches my eye, daily. Some days I have seen him* sit upright in our driveway for long stretches of time, as if in deep thought. One day I stared at him for several minutes as he held an acorn right outside of my window. He'll jump from the trees or sit on logs. You know- just doing squirrel things.
I'm aware that there are tons of other squirrels out there.... but he is the only one who entertains me. He stands out. He has zero camouflage amongst the brown leaves and tree bark. There's really nowhere that he can hide. I love that he is unique.
Nature, and rarities in nature, are grand reminders of how we are all unique creations. God has a purpose and a plan for us. He cares for the sparrows, he cares for the black squirrels and he cares for you!
I think about how that black squirrel stands out and I wonder what impression I have on people around me. Do I fall into the background? Or do I stand out? Do people see my uniqueness in Christ? Do I make a difference in someone's day? Can I bring a smile to someone's face?
I don't want to be a regular ol' squirrel.
I want to be a black squirrel. :)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
*I haven't gotten close enough to know for sure.... but we like to assume he is male. :) He doesn't have an official name yet.
