courtyard
The nursing/rehab center in which FIL is presently residing has a fairly large courtyard that is totally enclosed by the buildings of the facility. This grassy area has several trees, much shrubbery, several walkways, and benches with a gazebo out in the center.
During a recent visit, I looked out the window of FIL’s room and noted that there were no folks in that rather peaceful appearing area. The reason for this was the mostly dingy day we were experiencing – its cold dampness had chilled the enthusiasm of any human fresh air seekers.
But this enclosed space did have an occupant of another sort. It was a very healthy looking gray squirrel, bounding around either looking for food or for a hiding place for some he/she already had.
From the chunky appearance of the animal I came to an either/or conclusion. Either this was a female squirrel and the tree rodent population was on the verge of increasing or it was a male that had been lounging around, involved in too many non-active squirrel amusements while over-indulging in acorn munching.
My mind wondered if this courtyard was the total world of this squirrel or just a small part of its territory. If this rodent was being fed by the residents or staff of this business, there would be the danger of it getting so fat that it couldn’t climb back over the buildings and out of the area. It would then become a prisoner of its own wants/desires.
Many of us humans are prisoners that way and like most all prisoners, we become very unhappy with what we have or don’t have, where we are, whom we are with and even who we are. Freedom and happiness comes from the inside of a person and is only supplied by a loving God that puts these things in the realm of our choice – basically, just choose to ask. ec
During a recent visit, I looked out the window of FIL’s room and noted that there were no folks in that rather peaceful appearing area. The reason for this was the mostly dingy day we were experiencing – its cold dampness had chilled the enthusiasm of any human fresh air seekers.
But this enclosed space did have an occupant of another sort. It was a very healthy looking gray squirrel, bounding around either looking for food or for a hiding place for some he/she already had.
From the chunky appearance of the animal I came to an either/or conclusion. Either this was a female squirrel and the tree rodent population was on the verge of increasing or it was a male that had been lounging around, involved in too many non-active squirrel amusements while over-indulging in acorn munching.
My mind wondered if this courtyard was the total world of this squirrel or just a small part of its territory. If this rodent was being fed by the residents or staff of this business, there would be the danger of it getting so fat that it couldn’t climb back over the buildings and out of the area. It would then become a prisoner of its own wants/desires.
Many of us humans are prisoners that way and like most all prisoners, we become very unhappy with what we have or don’t have, where we are, whom we are with and even who we are. Freedom and happiness comes from the inside of a person and is only supplied by a loving God that puts these things in the realm of our choice – basically, just choose to ask. ec
posted by mreddie | 2:23 PM
3 Comments:
Truly we can only be truly satisfied completely in God. We may think that something will make us happy, and it usually does for a while but then we become discontent. I think it is so wonderful that the satisfaction that the Lord gives us will never fade! :)
I’m glad that at least the squirrel was enjoying that harmonious spot. Strange, but I have encountered many such spots on nursing home grounds and more often than not they are deserted.
adannells - So true, in fact God is the only thing that really does satisfy.
SSN - I have noticed that as well and it could be that there are not enough personel to take the patients outside. That or it is just to sucker in new folks. :) ec
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