31/07/08

Learn from the Ant

Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the ant, you lazybones (sluggard); consider its ways, and be wise.

I remember being an ant watcher since earliest childhood. Along a rock retaining wall where I lived, these big ants would march single file, following some invisible (to me) markers. I recall blocking their path with sticky gooey stuff, dropping rocks on them and otherwise making their little lives rather precarious.

The ants have a family character. Never an argument, never sitting around with nothing to do, always tending to the eggs and hatchlings, digging tunnels and shelters, gathering food and building the communal defenses. One of our many sins is procrastination - the art of getting nothing done. But our failures are impressed on us when we watch ants. From ancient times the world around us has been a textbook for those who see. The fable of the grasshopper and the ant grew from observing nature. The bible is full of reference to the created order. We ignore it at great personal loss. And ants are among the great teachers.


[ Prayer Starter ]
Father, your creation with its indescribable complexes of creatures, plants, micro-organisms, elements, soils, rain and seasons provides us with many lessons. Make us observant enough to see; humble enough to learn; diligent enough to apply. I make this pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)