Ants and Labor Day

Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; Proverbs 30:25 NIV

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

Whilst returning from a day-hike at one of my favorite places in the mountains, I came across a line of ants scurrying back and forth across a big log. Some were heading north, meeting others which were on their trek toward the south.

Ants are interesting critters. When one ant finds a food source, it will lay down a chemical substance called a pheromone on its way back to the nest. This pheromone will actually affect the behavior of other ants, allowing them to follow the trail to the food source, then back to the nest again. As they go, they too may produce the same substance, reinforcing their travel path, helping to keep others from wandering off the trail.

Ants also use various pheromones to signal danger or mark territory between different nests or colonies.

It is theorized that ants have poor eyesight. Consequently, they often touch each other in passing in order to communicate. As I wrote in another post, ants are critical in the propagation of one of the earliest springtime flowers in the mountains (see Trillium II Springtime in the Mountains VIII). 

I read where an ant can walk up to four miles per day. I’m not quite sure how someone can ascertain that information. Did someone actually track one that far?

Hmm…

One thing is sure when considering the above Scriptures and other passages in the Bible: God is not happy with those who waste their lives on meaningless pursuits, living for themselves rather than for Him – since we are all created through Him and for Him.

Not sure how to begin a relationship with God so that you can live the life you were created for? Please see God God?

Hope you have a great day.