Swept About but Not Lost

It had been a trying morning with torrential rains and much unexpected stress at work. After leaving early to take care of personal matters, I decided to take advantage of a nice walk, since the morning rain had left a freshness in the air.

With each step, I reviewed the events of the day.

I needed this walk to process my thoughts.

As I walked up a hill, stepping over large branches that had blown down earlier, crossed the street, and stepped onto the sidewalk, I noticed a small squirrel lying on the ground. I thought it devoid of life until I heard whimpering.

He was wet, barely hanging on to the little bit of life left in him. He must have fallen out of the tall tree in the morning storm. When I knelt down, our eyes met, though his were barely open. I knew how he felt; like him, I felt nearly lifeless, blown about by life’s winds that morning. I gently picked him up and cradled him inside my coat. I talked with him as “we” walked home. Once home, I cradled him anew in a warm, soft washcloth and laid him in a box under the heat of a small table lamp.

Later that evening, I offered him some water with an eyedropper and some pieces of a nut. He just slept. I stayed up through the night with him, swaddling him in the washcloth and laying him against my chest so he could feel my heartbeat.

I also wanted him to have a sense of peace.

He slept like a baby, and then I dozed off to sleep myself.

The next morning the little squirrel appeared to be a bit more alert and accepted some food and water that I offered. I took him to my local animal rescue center for care. I knew he would be happy there. Rehabilitated, he would enjoy scurrying up the trees with other furry and feathered creatures. God is good.

That day I was cold, wet, windswept, and drained of life from my morning experience. He brought me face-to-face with myself in the form of a nearly lifeless creature lying on the sidewalk. God showed me how much He is aware of my trials and how He will sit with me all night if need be —and let healing take place.

Victoria M. Shewbrooks