Unity

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Just ask the animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Job 12:7

For as long as I can remember, interactions between animals have always fascinated me. When I see various critters near each other, I can watch them for a long time and not grow tired of seeing what transpires. I often find myself wondering what the animals are thinking when they look at each other from close range.

I wonder if that squirrel is thinking that this deer is one big, big squirrel. And if the deer is thinking that this squirrel sure is a tiny little squirt.

Probably not, but who knows?

I reckon their main priority is that they both know they’re not going to try to eat each other.

From what I’ve observed, the deer and squirrels around here tend to get along with each other pretty well. The deer and turkeys also seem to get along okay, as can be seen in my photo from this past Thanksgiving (see Surrounded by Turkeys).

Note the snow on top of the deer’s head in the above picture. Weather extremes, such as cold or drought, along with the scarcity of food and/or water, can often bring different animals closer to each other than normal. I doubt I’ll be seeing this same scene come summertime when there is an abundance of food for both of these critters.

King David wrote the words in Psalm 133 above. He was someone who had seen his share of war and fighting, both within and outside of his family. No doubt he knew what he was talking about when he penned these words of wisdom about how pleasant it is when people get along together. And Job spoke about the animals teaching us. I hope to be more aware of doing my part to bring this about in my small corner of the world this year.

Hope you have a great day.