Be wary of the 'little foxes' in life
"Catch for us the little foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom."
- Song of Songs 2:13 (NIV)
Early one morning, I got out of bed and made my usual journey down the hallway to the kitchen. The sunlight beaming through the kitchen window caused me to walk over and take a peek at the beauty of the bright morning sun.
I peered out the window above the sink and gazed out to the far edge of the backyard, where I caught a glimpse of two beautiful red foxes. Each one stood on the opposite sides of an old swing set we had there for the grandkids. In their fixed positions, these foxes gave the appearance of a life-size set of bookends.
I stood in amazement at this unusual sight and how it struck me.
A few days later in my Bible study, I came across a passage of Scripture that was unfamiliar to me. As I read the words, "Catch for us the little foxes," instantly, I thought about the two little foxes I had seen a few days before. I was certain, however, those were not the foxes the Lord was cautioning me to catch.
After more study and research, I discovered God is cautioning us in that passage to look at the little, subtle things in our daily lives that keep us from being our best and living an abundant life.
A few of these things could include complaining, murmuring and grumbling, or the cutting remarks that roll off our tongues at the drop of a hat.
They slip through our souls like a beautiful, sly, little fox. Although they appear to be harmless, they rip the other person to shreds and drain us of the positive energy we need to stay happy.
When destructive forces of gossip sneak their way into our conversations at home, work, or church, it destroys our reputation with one another and the good work God wants to accomplish in our lives.
We are cautioned each day to look at our lives and identify the many small habits we form that can mount up and cause damage in our lives.
God views our souls as a vineyard in bloom. When we catch the foxes, a new way of living helps us blossom and flourish into the person God wants us to be.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com. She is available to speak to your church group, business or organization, or be your personal coach.