Are You A Squirrel
Have you ever stopped to watch a squirrel? Their jittery movements, their constant indecision — “Should I climb that tree?”, “Do I grab that nut?”, “Should I chase that other squirrel?” It seems they’re always in a hurry, racing through their day, chasing after whatever comes next.
Sound familiar?
We’ve all had those days — hurrying from one task to the next, driving from place to place, only to realize the day has slipped away. I’ve been there too (and even written about it before — In The Stillness). It’s so easy to get caught up in our to-do lists and destinations that we forget to simply ‘be‘.
Recently, I read a devotional titled “Don’t Be a Squirrel: Slow Down.” The author compared people to squirrels — gatherers who are never quite satisfied, always running after the next thing. But unlike squirrels, we weren’t created to live in constant motion. If we act like them, we risk missing out on the beauty of the now.
(Side note: I couldn’t help but picture that frantic squirrel from the movie Ice Age — completely scatterbrained and wired!)
Planning for the future is good, but if we’re always hoping for what’s ahead — “It’ll be better when…”, “I’ll be happy when…”, “Once I finish this, then I can rest…” — we rob ourselves of the joy right in front of us.
Where you are right now is where God wants you to be. Dreams and goals are wonderful, but if we can’t find contentment in this moment, true joy will always be just out of reach.
Maybe God has a purpose for you right here, right now.
Maybe He’s guiding you through certain steps to prepare you for what’s ahead.
Maybe — just maybe — He knows better than we do.
When we’re constantly chasing “the next thing,” we lose that peaceful joy within us. We lose presence. Without presence, we react; with presence, we respond.
And as we approach this season of giving, remember — being present is the greatest gift of all.
So pause. Breathe. Listen. Respond.
Be still and soak in the joy, love, and peace that are already here.
As we enter this beautiful Christmas season, take a deep breath and quiet that “inner squirrel.” Unwrap a new version of yourself — one that gives the gifts of gratitude, love, and appreciation for both the blessings God has given you and the loved ones who surround you.
