My Red Fox Morning

A few mornings ago, I started my day very early with coffee on the front porch, just contemplating the beauty that paradoxically surrounds me in the midst of the chaos of health scares, economic hardships, and social disruption. I was cherishing elements that sometimes escape me during my overly-scheduled daily life. 

Even though my goal was to spend time in prayer and intentionally be present with God, my mind kept wandering back to other concerns. As I tend to be a fixer and caregiver by nature, I was contemplating next steps, running through my mind whom I should call to check on and what I might do to calm some fears or loneliness of some of my friends. I was especially burdened with how some of my small-business-owner friends would survive this hit of social isolation. 

Just as I began the mental list-making, it sounded as if the birds sang louder just to grab my attention. Their beautiful melody drew me back to my focus. The message came through loud and clear! The words of Matthew 6 spoke to me, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” 

It had rained heavily all during the night, and it seems nature is never more resplendent than right after a rain, so even the newly-bloomed azaleas beside me regaled me with their magnificent coral color, reminding me of what an amazing God we have who created a plan for our lives that includes such incredible changing beauty. I was acutely aware of the joy that surrounds us even in the most troubling times. 

And, then less than a minute later, it seemed from out of nowhere, a red fox with a white-tipped tail sprinted down the road and bolted across the lawn in front of me. Cue the music. A movie director could not have choreographed the scene more magnificently! I wanted to belt out the opening song to “The Sound of Music.” 

Folklore says that when a single red fox shows up, it means it is time to tackle life with a passion. Maybe this altered way of life is our red fox. Perhaps, it is a reminder to get more in touch with our passion for truly living and serving God. If we will allow them, maybe this new set of challenges and fear of the unknown will also bring a greater appreciation for the blessings we may take for granted. 

​Lana Shewmaker