Small and Wise

There are four small creatures,
    wisest of the wise they are

  ants—frail as they are,
            get plenty of food in for the winter;
        marmots—vulnerable as they are,
            manage to arrange for rock-solid homes;
        locusts—leaderless insects,
            yet they strip the field like an army regiment;
        lizards—easy enough to catch,
            but they sneak past vigilant palace guards. – Proverbs 30:24-28 MSG

Life often seems to be a constant rush. We are always hurrying to this or that, while wanting faster responses and services. How often do we just take a moment to watch and listen to God’s creation?

I was recently blessed to take a few days off and sit on a quiet beach. As I listened to the waves and dug my feet into the sand, I just sat in awe and wonder. When I read this passage in my Life Application bible, the study notes said that it invites us to look at nature from the perspective of a keen observer, always curious to discover lessons for life.

Ants can teach us about preparation, marmots about wise building; locusts about cooperation and order; and lizards about fearlessness. The passage was compared with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 about ways to resist worry.

I continued to think about this while watching the waves, each one different. The sound; so powerful. The sand; cool and moulding to each foot step. Each grain of sand doing its part in making the beach. Tiny seashells resting on the beach, polished from their tumbling in the sea.

It all was a beautiful reminder that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2) Everything has purpose and there are lessons to be learned even from small and wise little ants if we are willing to ask God to show us His ways, guide us in His truth and teach us.