We’ve been finding evidence of a critter digging it’s way under neath the chicken run, nearly every morning.
After several failed attempts to deter it, my husband bought a live trap.
Because our son had actually seen a young skunk in the neighbor’s yard, not far from their chickens, my husband wrapped the trap in a tarp to keep from getting sprayed once the animal was caught.
Yesterday morning, when I came up to do the chickens, there was food sitting outside of the trap, but the trap had not been sprung.
I thought that was odd, the food had obviously been eaten on.
When my husband came out, I told him about the food.
He was surprised to see that something got the food out of the trap, but had not sprung it.
Last night, he reset the trap in such a way that the animal was sure to be caught.
So when I came out to do the chickens, I didn’t go near their pen, because the trap had been sprung.
Instead, I sent my husband a message and went about the other chores.
I prayed for him as he headed towards the trap.
Requesting that he would not be sprayed, as he had to go to work this morning.
God answered.
My husband was able to load the live trap and animal into the back of his pickup without incident.
He would take it and release it far away in the woods before heading to work.
When I do chores, I normally let our lamb out of her pen as she wanders about grazing while I take care of the other animals.
This morning was no different, she had followed me to the facet as I filled up the rabbit waterer.
My husband needed to leave immediately to have time to release the skunk.
The lamb and I were nearby as he jumped in the truck with his lunch box.
I realized that my lamb was awfully close to the truck and although she’s normally very frightened of vehicles, I wanted to get her out of the way, it would be very hard for my husband to see her.
I was encumbered by the rabbit waterer and only had one free hand, but assumed the minute he started the truck she would want to come toward me.
I forgot I was dealing with a sheep.
Although, I had put my hand out and called several times, she literally ran towards the back of the truck, under the bed, near the tire.
He was aware that she had been in the area and had seen my efforts, so he did not put it in reverse.
Instead, he got to watch as I tried desperately to get my lamb to come away from the truck.
She did not want to, despite the fact that it was running.
I tried leading her as I normally do, with one hand under her chin, but she fought me and kept trying to turn back towards the truck.
Are exhaust fumes that appealing?!
I knew that he was in a hurry, so I stopped trying to guide her and grabbed a front four leg.
By pulling on her four leg gently, I began to get her away from the truck.
She found this extremely frustrating and began leaping in the air in an attempt to break my hold.
She’s not heavy enough, even with her leaping over and over to break my grip.
I was able to get her away from the truck, to a safe distance, so my husband could drive away.
After getting her there, I didn’t let go, I couldn’t trust her.
She might turn and run back toward the truck, thus I stood, holding on to her leg waiting for my husband to back up and then head down the driveway.
I was very frustrated with her and I could tell she was not impressed with me either.
He did back up the truck, but then he stopped and stuck his head out the window.
About this juncture, I told my lamb that I was simply trying to keep her safe despite her dumb behavior.
Yes, I called my sheep dumb.
My husband called back to me, “You just made my day!”
And laughed!
Putting the truck in drive, he headed out, still laughing.
I had to laugh too.
I let go of my sheep, patted her, and tried to console her from what she thought was extremely poor treatment.
I returned to the chores and thanked the Lord for His blessings this morning, especially catching the skunk and protecting our chickens.
I pictured how funny my lamb and I must have looked as I dragged her away from her impending danger and suddenly realized God is incredibly patient.
How many times have I reacted the exact same way to something that the Lord said?
Then He changed the circumstances, making it far harder for me to return, all the while I act foolishly, and being greatly offended that He would treat me in such a way.
And all He was doing was keeping me from danger.
I praise God for His Sovereignty and the chastisement He has given when I needed it the most.
I am so thankful to the Lord for His faithful care and tireless instruction.
Isaiah 53:6 KJV — All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
I worship Almighty God for His incredible sacrifice, for nothing compares to His salvation through Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the “adventure” this morning, both with our lamb and with the skunk. Lord, I know You created all and I thank You for reminding me of Your Word this morning as I reflected upon the behavior of our sheep. Thank You for Your incredible amount of patience, Your mercy, and Your grace. Thank You that You died to save us. Please help each of us to be focused upon You and Your Word, that we would follow You with willingness, rather than be curious and seek to draw closer to the dangers You call us away from. Lord, thank You for all Your love! You are amazing! Amen.
By the way,
My lamb forgave me and came over to nuzzle my knee.
And the skunk has a new home.
patientlyhopeful 