We met our newest neighbor yesterday. Not exactly “met.” The word “saw” would be more accurate.
He wasn’t particularly friendly. He just showed up at our back door and looked inside. He didn’t even knock.
I was standing right next to the door doing laundry. He had to see me… right, Lord? But it didn’t seem to matter. Apparently, he didn’t want to actually meet. Instead, he turned and went along our deck, as if looking for another way in.
I ran to grab my cell phone. The looks of him shot my adrenaline sky-high. Maybe I could get a picture of him. For future reference. Just in case…
He stepped off the deck and peered into our screened-in porch. I knew the screen would be no match for him, if he decided he wanted to come inside. Thankfully, he didn’t.
Something must have changed his mind. He turned and started across our back yard, passing between our cars. I got braver and stepped outside, snapping photos like crazy.
That did it. He took took one look at me and bolted — actually, more like ambled — into the woods. I wasn’t exactly fearsome… but I was apparently way too curious for comfort.
Our first encounter with a BLACK BEAR… up-close-and-personal!!!
Terrifying and thrilling, all at once!!! Of course, I only went outside when I was sure I could beat him back inside… if I had to!
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” (Proverbs 27:12)
No kidding! 🙂
Solomon penned that proverb over 2,050 years ago. Amazing how relevant it is even today, Lord! He may not have envisioned a black bear encounter when he wrote it, but Wisdom is wisdom… Amen?
Of course, not all strangers are dangerous… are they, Lord?
Except maybe to our Comfort Zone?
“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in. I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:2-3)
Rightly discerning between Stranger Danger and Stranger Delight makes all the difference… doesn’t it, Lord?
Thankfully, You did not stop imparting Your Wisdom after Solomon. Sometimes that which is timeless will suffice. But other times? We need a fresh word right now. And we can count on You, Lord, to provide it!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Requesting a double portion, with 24/7 refills… 🙂
Abba’s Girl