Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
A few years ago, we went on a road trip that started in Washington, ventured into Oregon, Utah, Colorado, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and eventually back home to Washington. Along the way, we attempted to take in the sites and visit several historic and scenic locations. One of those visits took us to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
As you can see in the image, this Prairie dog was standing at attention, ensuring I wasn’t there to harm him or his fellow family/neighbors. As many of you know, Prairie dogs aren’t dogs at all, in fact they are rodents. They live in large colonies called “towns,” where they can have a complex set of tunnels underground. One of the benefits of living in these colonies is safety in numbers. As they live near one another, these furry creatures help each other as much as they can. While one group of them may be hanging out in their subterranean homes, others are above ground staying alert for danger. If something seems off, those on watch will verbalize with barks and squeaks, to warn the others.
Just like these “barking squirrels,” we as Christians have the benefit of being around like-minded individuals as well. We too, can help one another in times of trouble. We call ourselves a church “family” and for good reason. We care for each other, during the good times as well as the times of struggle. A community of believers. Paul talked about this very concept, when he wrote to the various churches he had under his care. To the Thessalonians, he requested they stay alert and be positive toward one another.
Chapter 5, verse 11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing.” (NIV)
Paul also mentioned to the church of Corinth, – Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Just like our “non-dog” friends on the plains of South Dakota are individuals living in a community, we too are individuals, living in our community of Christians. We each have different gifts, talents, and skills. We have the responsibility to lift each other, to teach, to participate, whatever we can do to help others grow closer to our God. I pray you find a way to help someone out this week, even if it’s just hanging out with them (in their above ground dwelling).