Articles
Red Fox Family
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"You are my hiding place and my shield." - Ps.119:114
I spent the greater part of one morning photographing this red fox family. The mother had three kits and she brought them out of her den to frolic in the sun until they were exhausted. Her eyes never left them and after they settled to rest around her, she constantly surveyed the surrounding forest for any signs of danger. She was their protector, nourisher, and example. Her little ones knew they were safe when under her guardianship and trusted her totally. That is what a good parent does. This world is a dangerous place and is replete with perils for the unprepared. Having a competent guardian makes all the difference. We humans all get to the place where we believe we can take care of ourselves and have no need of places to hide or others to do our battles for us. We think this is a sign of maturity when in fact it is just a sign of pride. It takes a dose of humility to see that we are often in places and situations that demand more than we can offer. And some of us find it beneath our supposed dignity to admit to ourselves that we need help, let alone ask for it. But God at times intercedes in our world to crush our pride so we are forced to admit who we really are - weak and fallen creatures living solely by the grace of One whose holiness would send us all to our knees if we caught even a glimpse of it. When we are humbled like this the only thing we can do is look up and call out for mercy. And when we do, we find it. God is indeed a shield of protection and a hiding place from the storm. This is wisdom, the confession of who we are and the praise of who He is. The great men and women of scripture are those who have gone through this process. The Bible calls it the new birth. I call it unmerited grace. And you can find it only on your knees. - John
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