“One bite at a time. That’s how you eat an elephant.”

That was my ready reply when my college aged kids began moaning and groaning over a comprehensive class syllabus at each new semester.

But they didn’t even like elephant.

I don’t mind that entrée as much as I do squirrel. In fact, cilantro and squirrel are the only tastes I don’t enjoy. My distaste of this furry animal has reached an all time dislike this spring as these thieves of my bird seed have planted themselves firmly in the garden. No place is too difficult for those long tailed cute wild things. They keep trying–relentless, tireless– until they reach their goal.

Observation has taught me that I should be taking lessons. Squirrels are somehow able to scale the most impregnable barrier for food. They have figured out how to maneuver past all shields around the feeders–even chewing on portions of the metal guard. They jump faster than Superman; they hang by one leg, dangling precariously —persistent in their reach of precious black oil sunflower seed.

I am convinced my garden inhabitants have enrolled in a Psalm 18:29 school, taking classes in these exploits:

101—Scaling Impossible Situations
201—Forging Past Obstacles
301—Persistence Training

and finally

401–Avoiding Traps

The last class, #401 evidently was added only recently after the four legged community lost three siblings/cousins to the fatal trap this past week. (Don’t worry; they were transported to safety) Studies and homework yielded positive results as now not one single squirrel comes near the baited trap. How quickly they got the message.

“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalm 18: 28-29

I may acquire a taste for squirrel–or not. Perhaps I will enroll in their school of persistence. One morning as I watched one squirrel struggle to gain access past the metal shield, I wondered at my lack of determination in growing into Christlikeness. How soon I give up and turn around–seeking an easier path. It takes time and effort to persevere–to reach heights I desire. Diligent study teaches me to know how and when to scale the obstacles and circumstances of life.

Am I ready to be “squirrelly?” — you know, squirrelly–in the good sense.