Safe Haven

Hurricane Debby treated so many folks horribly. Lives were lost, homes destroyed. But for us in Cairo, Georgia, though schools were closed, it turned out to be just a very windy, rainy day. We actually sat on the porch and watched the fascinating movement of the wind in the trees, especially the reeds. Charles said the restless tumbling of the massive reed bank reminded him of ocean waves, never still, never satisfied. We prayed for those in danger. When the rain was heavy, I wondered where the birds were huddled. One safe haven for them is that bank of thick reeds.

Routinely, I walk beside the bamboo “wall” several times a day. The wall is four or five feet through dense growth to the neighbor’s yard on the other side. I imagine how hard it would be to cut one’s way through such a barrier, as pioneers must have done. It would take a machete, a lot of muscle, and nerve to keep whacking those tough, unforgiving reeds while not knowing when you might come to a clearing. But we only have to cut the reeds that encroach on the driveway, or the ones knocked over in a storm. It is a constant chore for Charles and his yard man since the reeds creep out so quickly. Spears of tender new growth pop up almost overnight, ready to imitate Jack’s beanstalk.

Walking along the bamboo stretch, I often hear rustles and chirping. The reed growth is so thick I can’t usually see any little creatures but I can hear them. Sometimes I see birds take a diving flight into the wonderful ecology of the bamboo hedge. Sometimes I’m sure I hear a squirrel scruffing around and I’ve seen them dashing into the safe haven. There would hardly be room for an armadillo or a possum or even a grown rabbit because the reeds are knit so tightly together. But tiny things have a world of their own amongst the reeds. Lizards, turtles, sparrows, mockingbirds and–well, yes, snakes. I did see one long oak snake slithering out of the density one day.

A safe haven. That’s what the reeds are for the birds and other little critters. They can fly or crawl into their tiny spaces and peer out at the rest of the world without being detected. They can weave their way amongst the bamboo stalks with no fear. The only enemy they have to face is the very occasional snake.

I sometimes am envious of those little critters who can retreat into perfect safety. But then I realize this great truth: We can’t hide in a bamboo hedge but we can trust our wonderful Redeemer through whatever life throws us.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalms 91:1-2