Friday, October 12, 2018

We're Off to See the Lizard!


Genesis 1:25
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds.  And God saw that it was good.

It's October here in Georgia, but you wouldn't know it from the Indian Summer temperatures.  Although it's predicted that we will finally see a break in these by the end of this week, this past weekend when granddaughter, Virginia Rose, and I spend time with my Mom down in Oxford, Georgia, it is nothing but oppressive, sweltering heat.

We may not enjoy the sultry atmosphere, but there is one creature that thrives in it:  The Green Anole lizard.



These particular inhabitants often slip through cracks in the floor of Mom's screened in porch to scurry and explore the human environs for a change of pace, never imagining that small, inquisitive hands could or would become intent upon catching them.

"A lizard, Gammie!"  Virginia squeals excitedly.  "There's a lizard out here!  Oh, wait, I see another one!"

Virginia is off and running, but so are the lizards.  Ironically, when I stay with Mom for ten days in August, I never spot a one.  Now they appear with frequency, bordering, in my mind, on the miraculous; a delightful gift for my granddaughter.  Virginia is transfixed by the lizards and determined to capture one.  While I have absolutely no inclination to place my hands on these wiggly, flighty reptiles, Virginia does, following in the footsteps of her mother, Sarah, who used to engage in this very same pursuit many years ago.

No, she's not using the end of the broom stick to hurt the lizard, but to flush it out of hiding.  




There are some lingering spider webs on Mom's porch, something Virginia is loathe to touch, and I can't blame her.  I am leery, too!

Sometimes, the lizards run high up on the screen and out of reach.  Other times, they dart down through the openings in the porch floors, or hide behind the cross beams.  Still, Virginia doesn't give up hope that she can grab one at last.



Sadly, when she does finally seize one, I'm inside the house without my phone camera at the ready.  But I'm so glad Virginia realizes her dream, lets the lizard go free, and is pumped up for the next pursuit.

The next challenge to surmount.

The next achievement.

The lessons I learn from Virginia's hope, faith and perseverance in her desire to come into personal contact with God's "least of these" are profound.  I need not fear a challenge, I should welcome it.  If I'm striving, in God's will, to achieve, I know my attempts will be blessed, and that He will provide the strength and fortitude to see it through.  And my dreams?  God honors every one when my will is submitted to His.

Powerful lessons that all of us would be wise to take to heart.


Amen!

21 comments:

  1. Lizards look so friendly don't they? I understand they eat flies and other flying creatures.

    We don't have them in the UK. Only in zoos.

    God bless you and your family, Martha.

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    1. They really are kind of cute, Victor, though it doesn't convince me I want to touch one - lol! They do eat lots of insects, so that's great when one lives in the "buggy" south.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. What a cute title! :) Immediately, I was transported back to 1957: Clad in boxer jeans and PF Flyers, clutching a shoebox, I'd hunt lizards and horny toads. We've not many lizzies here … but man, back in Arizona they'd put on a show atop the stucco fences. Drove our dogs crazy.

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    1. Oh, Myra, I can just picture you as a little girls hunting those lizards and toads! And I can imagine Arizona is home to many different species of these.
      It's great in this age of everything tech, that children still love doing the types of things we did when we were young.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Virginia is one blessed child to have a "Gammie" that uses every opportunity to teach her about the Lord. A fun and touching post, as usual. And I love the title, too!

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words here, Beckie. I'm so glad I can be there for Virginia so often; we really do share a special bond.
      Glad you like the title, too!
      Love and blessings!

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  4. Some of the lizards can be worn as earrings until they decide to open their mouth and all off. Kids do that all the time down here, but it doesn't hurt the lizards. Fun stuff and she is adorable!

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    1. I've never heard of doing that, Terri! Wow! Rest assured, I won't tell Virginia about that little trick - lol.
      And yes, I think she's pretty adorable, too.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Thank you for this lesson from the lizard. Something for me to ponder as well. Love the joy your little Virginia has in exploring God's wonderful world...even the reptiles! Love to see the world through a child's eyes.

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    1. Yes, Pamela, seeing the world through the eyes of a child always gives us a fresh perspective, doesn't it? Such a wonderful creation He has given us!
      Love and blessings!

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  6. WONDERFUL POST and great analogy and as for Virginia--PRECIOUS!
    Blessings, My Friend!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lulu! And I think she's pretty precious, too, but you know I'm just a wee bit biased. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  7. I love curious minds and I love grandmothers/grandfathers who encourage curious minds in their grandchildren. Lessons for a lifetime for her.

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    1. Definitely gotta love those curious minds, Bill. Praying Virginia will always stay inquisitive, desiring to learn.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Oh, Martha, Virginia is absolutely adorable! What a fun afternoon!! Blessings and hugs to you!!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Deb! Yes, I think she's pretty adorable, too, and always, always look forward to the times we can spend together.
      Love and blessings!

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  9. Martha, this is a truly precious and cute post. God's creation is truly fascinating. I'm thrilled Virginia caught a lizard!

    Love and blessings!

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    1. I am too, Kim, though I regret not getting a photo of this momentous moment. And now, as we're expecting colder weather any day now, I'm sure the lizards will be scurrying underground and into hibernation. Maybe next summer! :)
      Love and blessings!

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  10. I loved this post because it reminded me of my years living in the tropics, first in Thailand, and then in West Africa. My son was a toddler in Africa, and enchanted with the variety of lizards -- the tiny ones that lived inside the house (mostly on the ceilings), and the big ones that roamed on the porch and in the yard. He spent his days happily chasing them around, although unlike Virginia he never caught one. His first word was "lizard." Ha!

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    1. What a great story about your son, Galen! I so appreciate you sharing it here with us. And his first word? That's hysterical! My son's first word was "dog" as we had two at that time. Lots easier to pronounce than lizard. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  11. I like reading a post that can make men and women think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!
    คาสิโน

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. . . Good Tidings of Great Joy . . .

  . . . Good tidings of great joy . . . ~Luke 2:10 Pictured above are my daughter, Sarah, son-in-law, John, and their three girls, Virginia,...