Little Foxes

Have you ever read a fairy tale where it has little foxes mentioned at an inconvenient or tricky part in the story?  Or have you heard of the saying ‘Sly as a fox’? Foxes – for as long as time – have had the reputation as deceitful, a predator, a destroyer, or a sneak.  Have you ever thought of the little foxes in your life?  Those little inconveniences that stop, destroy and mess with your day? 

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of love…. Song of Songs 2:15

Life is full of beauty, experiences, surprises and wonder.  It is also full of little inconveniences (little foxes) that can stop you dead in your tracks.  They are the enemy of great things.  They sneak up on you – like a sly deceitful fox – and stop you.  

I recently read a devotional called Chasing Wonder.  A fantastic read.  Life is about adventure and seeking the wonder of this amazing world.  Everyone’s adventure is different, but what is similar is the desire to experience life. 

We may experience – throughout our life – some wonder stoppers or little foxes along the way that try to stop us. For example:

• Play it safe
• Be careful
• Protect yourself
• Be wise
• A change in plans
• An unexpected hiccup in planning
• An unexpected visitor

However, if we play it safe and avoid all risks, our adventures will be limited.  We may miss out on the special moments in life (meeting someone new, a beautiful view, helping someone).  We are created to step into the world and not be trapped by what other people expect or by the comfort of staying small.  

If a little fox appears and stops you from something you planned or stops something that does not line up with your plans simply pause and reflect.  Is it a detour?  Something throwing you off track?  Or… is it a miracle?  

As told in ‘Chasing Wonder’.  Be interruptible!  God loves surprises.  His creation is a wonder to be discovered so leave room to experience the unexpected.  Sometimes those little foxes are deliberately placed before you in order for you to open your eyes at the wonder God wants you to chase.  

So before you complain, gripe or fret about those little foxes inconveniently changing your day or plans – stop for a moment.  Look around and breathe.  Take in the beauty of the moment, the view, or the people you are with.  Are you meant to be in that particular moment?  To experience the beauty of a beautiful sunset, to witness the sweet interaction a baby bird, or to uplift a new neighbour in need?  

Everything happens for a reason and the moment you are in is the moment you are meant to experience.  Embrace it and be thankful for the wonder God has you chasing and the little foxes that you experience along the way.