On this very hot North West Arkansas summer day, I encountered a new friend who needed help. At first inspection, I thought this was a small snake! But up close it was clearly a worm, the biggest one I had ever seen. He was in trouble, danger, and at risk of literally drying out, being stepped on, or becoming a smorgasbord for the neighboring mama and hatchlings. And as much as I enjoy our bird community, I just could not endure watching this helpless creature succumb to a disgusting demise.
Was it the promise of a better place on the other side, or did the deluge of rain force you out of your well-planned-out environment? Now you’re stranded, alone, not at all sure about what to do next. You are unable to keep moving at the same pace. It appears you have given up hope of getting to a safer environment. The dangers lurk around, and the enemy is ever watchful, hovering, just waiting for signs of life or movement to halt. You need help!
With a gloved hand, I picked up this slimy, wiggly creature from the hot rocks, taking care not to drop him and add to his misery! I was all too aware that he needed a safe, moist place, which at this point, he was not finding on his own. At first, I carefully placed him on top of a potted plant on my porch, only to discover a few minutes later that he could not get through the roots on top, so again I put on my glove and he willingly, or so it seemed, allowed me to carry him to another pot, this one with fresh soil and morning glories climbing up a small trellis. I placed him on the soil and then returned to find only the tip of his ‘body’ at the surface. He had dug into his new environment, a home where he would not dry out or be flooded, and where he would be safe from the winged family nearby.
God speaks through his creation, and on this encounter, it was through a lowly worm that needed to be rescued. Just a worm, one might say, but on this day, a worm worthy of being picked up and placed where he could thrive. It was not about the worm or me, but rather a reminder to me of our Heavenly Father, who cares for his creation and continues to lead, protect, and provide for us now and where we can thrive throughout eternity.
The opening in this blog today could very well describe me at times in my life, when I needed to be noticed, cared for, rescued, and led to a better place; emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I thank God for the life lessons he has brought me through, the help he has provided through the hands of others, and for this reminder and lesson today from another one of God’s unique creations.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1
You can listen to my reading of Psalm 23 on the CD “Hope for the Journey” on most audio platforms, or via a link on my resource page.
YouTube – Psalm 23
Apple – Psalm 23
Thank you for spending a moment with me today. May you experience God’s love and care on your journey.
Your friend, Pati
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Pati Rader 
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