God’s small acrobat  

‘Neath the spreading chestnut tree, 

Birds and squirrels drink their tea;

Each one takes a dainty sup

From a tiny acorn cup. 

-Anonymous kindergarten song from long ago. 

Have you ever watched a contortionist squeeze himself into a small box or into a tiny space? Or, have you seen an acrobat or gymnast place his legs over his shoulder or around his neck? These stunts seem humanly impossible, and to watch one do something like this is fascinating. 

Well, God created a little fury acrobat that can crawl down a fishing line hung from a tree limb, turn itself upside down, tilt a hummingbird feeder and drink the sweet nectar til its heart’s content. Yes, the little squirrel is “God’s small acrobat.” 

As we all know, the squirrel can leap like crazy, can steal birdseed or nectar … and can also cause havoc around one’s house. They are cursed by some, shot by others and enjoyed by those who appreciate these little entertainers … these fury acrobats. 

In our backyard we have placed baffles on our regular bird feeders to “baffle” these fury little creatures, and these baffles are working. Anyway, God has a good reason for creating this little acrobat … to disturb, to menace one’s property, or possibly to entertain us humans and cause us to turn our focus toward God, the Creator of “all creatures great and small,” for the Lord God made them all. 

Peace!

All creatures of our God and King,

Lift up your voice and with us sing

Alleluia! Alleluia!

-St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)