Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

I can still say GOOD MORNING!

Becki is off to her Bible Study in Woodburn. It’s about time for her return.

Yesterday morning before leaving on our travel plan to Sunnyside, I let our two cats in to eat some food and drink some milk. Taffy, our female mother cat was waddling—and clearly miserable with carrying such a tank-load of babies. We guessed how many there would be. She only had four on her first birthing. I guessed up to seven.

Last night when we returned home, Cubby, the male kitten was there to meet us, but we didn’t see Taffy. Then we really sensed something was up with not seeing her this morning. I went out to launch a search. I didn’t get far—maybe 10 feet from the door—when I heard the faint squeal of a baby kitten. The sound was coming from under the deck, under our living room window. I exclaimed to Becki that we were grandparents again! Eventually, there’s no other way to gain access, I took time to remove a section of decking and exposed Taffy with her litter. Things were pretty fresh as the babies were still wet—and Taffy’s hind end looked like road kill. I placed some food and milk beside Taffy, and she thanked me profusely. I still don’t have a final count—but—brace yourself—I think there are at least ten babies there. Wow! No wonder she was waddling! At another point I saw Taffy eating something besides what I gave her. I finally figured out that it was her afterbirth. Yuck! But that’s part of the marvelous design of it all. I won’t disturb her too much just yet. But soon we’ll be able to report the final count. I wonder how is she going to handle at least ten—with only six teats? Time will tell. Am I boring you?

Work to do. And it’s already almost noon. If you hadn’t wanted to know so much, I wouldn’t be this late. See how it works? It’s all your fault!

Blessings. Love, Dad/Ray.

I’ve learned by personal experience that you don’t want to visit New Zealand between May and August wearing just shorts and T-shirt. I nearly froze my __________ off! Sure, I knew the seasons were reversed “down under,” but I was so consumed with busyness at the time, so warm and accustomed to the tropical Solomon Islands, and so programmed by my own background in the northern hemisphere where those months are summer, I guess my head was in a state of slumber (3:11)—and I went unprepared.

The fact is, whenever you go on a trip anywhere, you are wise to anticipate what that environment might yield, and go prepared with the proper clothing. And as you anticipate the journey through the rest of your life, slumber is not a good thing—clear thinking is. The very best clothing you can have is “the Lord Jesus Christ”—protecting you from the heat of circumstance, the cold of depression, and even provide you with safe protection from the dirty dark battle—putting “aside the deeds of darkness” and putting “on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).

Let’s give some further thought to the unavoidable realm of battle and raise this question: Who or what is your greatest enemy? That’s important to know. After all, if the enemy is not clearly identified, one may unwittingly engage in opposing GOOD rather than EVIL. May I suggest that your greatest enemy is not Satan. It’s not nasty people. And it’s not ugly circumstances. I believe the correct answer is stated at the end of our “Focus Verse” above. Your greatest enemy is, in fact, THE DESIRES OF THE (your) SINFUL NATURE. Get it straight! “Wake up from your slumber” (13:11). Make a plan! Be prepared! And have a good trip!