BEGGARS



One of my favorite things to do while hiking is hike all the way to the top of a ridge or pass and sit down to have lunch while enjoying the beautiful view.  Almost every place we have ever hiked, these little nuisances on my friend's foot show up for lunch as soon as we take the food out of the back pack.  NOW--before all you animal lovers get up in arms---bear with me while I tell my tale.


OH, YES, He's cute, but they do not know the meaning of scram and you cannot eat your own lunch for them begging for food.  It is a BIG NO NO to feed the wild animals, but they sit there on their haunches and make these squeaky little sounds and before you know it someone has fallen for their act and given them a morsel of food.  "GAME ON", says Mr. Chipmunk.  If the picture had been taken with a real camera instead of a cell phone, you could see that his cheeks are stuffed to the brim.  He quickly takes a bite, stuffs it in the side of his cheek, and is back begging for more.  They are professional beggars.  It is NEVER enough--for you see at some point he scampers off to put the banquet in his den.  He is using you to supply his winter provision stash.  The little beggar is not going to work, he has learned to just wait for a hand out.  There are usually plenty of hikers on the trail and he has come to rely upon handouts instead of scrounging for his own self.


And then there he stands in the middle of the group, waiting for anyone to supply his needs.  He will not go away (well unless you threaten him with a hiking pole like I am prone to do) until you pack up and walk away.  He might even try to follow you down the trail, unless he sees another unsuspecting hiker headed his way.

Here is something we all need to keep in mind---HE IS A RODENT!  That would be part of the rat family!  If a rat came up to you and begged, he would be pummeled with rocks, but this little fellow has the advantage of being cute.  He is still a rat and a beggar.  He has come to rely upon handouts from the Big Hiker coming up the trail.  He has lost the incentive to work, and might even lose the ability to provide for himself if enough is handed to him.  We all enjoy the chippies on the trail, but the chippies are not helped by our handouts.  Instead they become dependent upon man, who will soon disappear with the change in the season to winter.  We enjoyed his antics, but he also bit the hand that was handing him the food.  OH--NOT TO FEAR---skin was not broken, but they can carry disease and it is not a good idea to have one bite you.  Serious consequences can come from a bite riddled with germs and possible disease.

I was reminded of God's own chosen people wandering in the desert waiting everyday for God to give them a handout.  AND THEY COMPLAINED about what He was providing.  Same thing day in and day out--only manna, God!  So God then provides them with meat.  The only stipulation is only gather enough for the day and two days when it is the Sabbath.  But were they happy, satisfied, content?  OH NO!  Gripe-Gripe-Gripe.  40 years of griping!   WHEW!  God is definitely a patient God--who could stand 40 years of day in day out griping ?  ONLY GOD!  

Here we are all these years later and are we content with where we are, what we have, with an abundant life?  I'll let you answer that question.  Are we content and joyful in all circumstances or are we like the little beggar and always coming back to the table for more.  Is it ever enough?  Food for thought---pun intended.

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

2 comments

  1. While I love feeding the birds/squirrels in our backyard, I do realize that I've actually turned them into beggars of sorts. I guess we could call it a wildlife welfare state - lol! But I'd like to think they are grateful for the food we provide. I know I'm not complaining about all the provisions God has blessed me with.
    Blessings to you, Lulu!

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    Replies
    1. Those little varmints can wreck havoc on your home if your not careful!
      Blessings, My Friend!

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