CLOAK AND DUCKER
Everyday, millions, if not billions of life and death adventures take place in the predator/prey tapestry of the animal kingdom. Every once in a while, with a not-too-subtle shove of human intervention, we are privy to viewing such happenings.
Take for example the "Cloak and Ducker" drama that is ongoing at this very moment in Middleton, Nova Scotia. Cloak is our friends, the Bowyers, Australian Shepherd. The ducks, at first, four in number and now reportedly a gaggling, growing ten, are new residents to the pond in front of which the Bowyer's trailer resides. All would have been relatively uneventful this summer, with said dog and ducks remaining in their allotted domains, if it weren't for the introduction of the matriarch of Clan Bowyer, one Ellen. Ellen, the human variable in this drama, provides a continuous stream of tantalizing bread stuffs to attract the winged creatures. All of this activity is, of course, to the considerable consternation of Cloak, the canine.
Either Ellen loves stirring up controversy, or she has got the bird bug bad! personally, as one who dearly loves her, I believe it's a bit of both. Having said that, I also believe that she is addicted to her growing flock of waddling followers. She is codependent to the point of directing a goodly portion of the family allotment of bread in a fowl direction.
I imagine that you are concerned about this situation as you begin to play the scenarios out in your mind. It doesn't take too much imagination to do that does it? After all, Cloak is a dog. Dogs do what dogs do. That's their job. Part of a dog's job is to consider everything around them as "their stuff". If they can see and sniff it; if it's around their people; if they have "marked" it in doggy fashion, it's theirs! Thus, when a being of any description comes remotely close to the trailer, even though they are walking on the public roadway, Cloak has to growl and prowl and test the strength of his metal tether. Add to this aggressive/possessive doggie perspective, a flock of ducks that are now encroaching directly upon his property and you have a "SITUATION". This is particularly the case since Ellen has taken to dropping the bread closer to the trailers and now the ducks have free range of the deck. This is an area, by the way, that Cloak would love to reside on as part of the family proper. If it weren't for the amazing awareness and agility of the ducks, considerable carnage would have already transpired!
But herein is the amazing part of watching this entire drama unfold. The ducks have an awesome sense of where there is, and isn't, danger. It's almost as if the ducks can see some kind of an infrared line in front of the trailers denoting the full extent of Cloaks taut tether. They certainly waddle their way to within mere inches of gnawing central-- without a care in the world, I might add. All the while, Cloak is frustrated beyond measure! Interestingly, while we were there Cloak was out on walkies a few times and the ducks, again, immediately perceived such and came up directly into the area in which Cloak usually fusses and fumes. The entire drama is quite fun to watch. Now the question remains, what can we glean from this ducky dilemma of Cloaks?
Well, I don't have a lot to say from Cloak's perspective, but there are a couple of fowl shots I would like to take:
First, on the negative side, what the ducks were doing was very much a teasing, tempting ritual of how close can I get without becoming lunch. More than a few times, the ducks had to use their wings to make an unscheduled flight into the pond. From my perspective, the ducks were just a bit too close to the adversary that roams to and fro (in this case, Cloak). Unfortunately, I've experienced this kind of behavior myself and seen countless numbers of Christians play the same game with our primary adversary. You see it in the "what can I get away with" attitude of many. To some, a gray area of conduct is as good as a green light We're often looking for that imaginary line that we shouldn't cross over so that we can toe to toe it, rather than avoid it. Not a good idea. Many a marriage, a ministry, a reputation has been tarnished by a small, seemingly innocent step towards temptation. The problem is that after awhile a small step with an "I can handle this" attitude can end up as a big slip and fall. Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:22, says, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" We are to flee, (run away from) not toy with temptation.
Second, on the positive side, those ducks were always aware of the danger. They always knew where the dog was and his limitations. True, they were sometimes brazen in their wanderings, but they were never distracted enough to forget that the enemy was lurking in the background, looking for an opportunity, any opportunity, to attack. Friends, as Christians we should never be broadsided by an attack. We should never say, "Wow, I didn't see that coming!" The only way that you can be sure that the enemy isn't interested in attacking you is if you are already under his control. If you are disconnected from Christ and defeated in your walk, the enemy will leave you alone. But, if you are living for Christ, behaving as salt and light, expect an ongoing danger. Don't be frightened by it. We have the victory in Christ, but be aware of it, so you won't be caught unaware.
Finally, I noticed that without exception, the ducks were never up there as solo players. There was always at least two,. More often than not, we saw the entire clan. These guys and gals, knew that there was safety and security in numbers. The message? Stay with the flock. As soon as we are isolated from other believers, the adversary gains an advantage. Why? Because he is an accuser, and a liar and a thief and he will plant ideas and cause doubt and without the encouragement, prayer and support of fellow believers, somewhere along the line, you're going to start believing the lie. Take if from me, I've been there! Satan likes to isolate us, it's the best plan that he has up his sleeve and since he isn't particularly creative, or innovative, he sticks with what works! Make sure you are part of a family of believers that you can share with, pray with, and be encouraged by. I can't emphasis this point enough!
Let's learn how to duck an attack by fleeing temptation, by being aware of the enemy, and by flocking together. That way the enemy can bark and snarl and pace all he wants. He'll always remain at the end of his rope!
If you have any thoughts or comments, I would love to hear from you. Please click on my name at the bottom of this page.
