Oh, to be as persistent as a squirrel.

You know, they have no idea that they can’t.  They try and try–everyday, twenty times a day.  These long tailed rodents have never listened to anyone telling them it is impossible to raid the feeder on the pole they are climbing.

Some of you may remember our saga of the squirrels last year.  We trapped sixteen of the furry pests and carried them to far away places.  Then Tom discovered a method that assured their abstinence of the birds’ sunflower seeds.

The squirrels climb the pole, look up into a black hole, then scamper down just as quickly.  One will come down, and another one will  begin his climb. The interesting fact is that they do this exercise every day–over and over.

We have squirrels again this summer and they take their meals at other tables; we even enjoy their antics.  We are not concerned that they are taking food from the birds’ mouths.

But the metal cyclinder on the pole does not stop them from trying.  (click to enlarge)

I have indulged in a happy dream of writing for years; I can imagine a row of books at a Lifeway store.   I delight in words coming together to make some semblance of meaning; and I have published a few articles.  However, and a big however, is my lack of discipline, hard work, perseverance. Too many other interests guarantee that it is just that–a dream.

But I was curious and a bit hopeful after reading a book on writing and corresponding with the author this past May.  He was kind enough to critique some of my work, and I was eager to know the answer to my life question–what to be when I grow up?

Or was I?

“You have potential and talent, but you have a long way to go” were his words to me.  I imagined that word was a very looooooooooooooooooooooong long way.   I still am not sure if I were relieved or devastated.  All writers, would-be’s and wannabe’s, evidently believe they have talent.  My reply to him,  “I do not have the time to go a long way. You have mercifully released me of any notion I have ever had for writing, and I rest in that more peacefully.”

I really want to be like a squirrel. I think. Maybe, perhaps.  But probably not.  They have more determination and persistence than I; they  believe they can.  They try and try.  I have written one or two blogs since that fatal blow.  I do not want that one statement to quench a desire to blog, so in that way, I may be a bit “squirrelly.”

“Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious,” Ecclesiastes 10: 12

Many verses in Proverbs encourage us to give attention to the wise.  For those of you who have time to “go a long way”,  I would urge you to begin that journey of your lifetime.  Persevere and climb those poles of obstacles and impossible situations.  Keep at it—over and over.

Be a squirrel.