Invaders

I've lost count of the number of usual summer invasions of ants. Most of them learn to avoid the small dish of "Ant Rid" and other recommended deterrents I've tried. I find them, far too often and when I least expect them, creating black masses on the drainers on both sides of the kitchen sink. They are always a nuisance, a nasty job to get rid of, and ever a disappointment to discover when I just want to make a cuppa. "Why, oh why, Lord?" Reply: "They are doing their job — wisely."

Proverbs 6:6a – Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! (NIV)

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

The good news is that the bad news can be turned into good news when I change my attitude!

The most successful social insects, such as ants, termites, and various species of bees and wasps, live in colonies in which every individual has its specific role and relies on the rest of the community to supply its other needs. Selah! Let us pause and calmly think about that.

For instance, soldiers with fearsome jaws guard the army ant colony. Weaver ant workers bind up a nest of leaves, with silk produced by the larvae. Leafcutter ants carry their "harvest" to the nest and cultivate a fungus food on it for the colony to eat.

Wisely, these social insects communicate all the time. If a foraging ant discovers a good source of food, it lays a scent trail for other ants who also add their scent, which attracts still more ants. These scents, known as pheromones, have a compulsive effect, and are very important to insect survival. The ants come to gather whatever tiny morsels they may find for their storehouses — thus, the black masses on my kitchen sink drainers.

I've got the message, Lord: these tiny insects won't be changing their instinctive survival habits anytime soon. But, "Hallelujah, there's a big change in me!" — as the chorus goes.

I am resolved to encourage these wise little creatures to fulfill God's purposes in their busy lives — outside!

I will change my kitchen sink habits, making absolutely certain the drainers are totally unattractive to these God-created invaders, who were doing their job most efficiently, just as God designed them to do.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for all Your teachings, through creation and Your Word, and even through annoyances over what we may feel are nuisances and inconveniences. Thank You for all the multifaceted ways in which You are ever changing us more into Your likeness. May we always remember to behold You as our perfect model in attitude and purpose. Amen and Amen!