There was once a family of squirrels who lived in a large oak tree. They had lived in one particular tree for many generations. The tree gave them all that they needed to survive—acorns to eat and protection from predators—so they never left its branches.
Then the tree started to die and it stopped producing new acorns. So the family of squirrels had a meeting to decide what they should do next.
The oldest son, Nifty, said, “We need to move to another tree; we won’t survive if we stay here.”
Uncle Nutty responded, “We can’t do that, we’ll be killed for sure. The hawks, foxes and bears are just waiting for us to leave this tree. We can’t possibly leave!”
After much debate, the entire family decided to stay in the old oak tree—except for Nifty. He decided that he needed to take the risk and make a change. Nifty left the tree and was never heard from.
“See?” Uncle Nutty said to the rest of the family, “I told you that the hawks, foxes or bears would get him!”
However, it wasn’t long before the squirrel family were starving again. So, after another family meeting and discussion, it ended with cousin Nibbles deciding that he would take the risk and leave—despite the dire warnings of Uncle Nutty. Nibbles left the tree, and he was never heard from.
Uncle Nutty continued his rants against leaving the tree despite the fact that the remaining family members had no food. One by one the other squirrels left with Uncle Nutty’s words, “The hawks, foxes or bears will get you, just like the others,” ringing in their ears.
Eventually, only Uncle Nutty was left on the old oak tree. One could see his ribs showing through his skin as it had been a long time since he had last eaten. He rocked backwards and forwards on a branch muttering to himself, “Hawks, foxes, bears, hawks, foxes, bears…”
Meanwhile, just 300 feet away in the same forest, the rest of the squirrel family was living comfortably together in a lovely oak tree that was now supplying all of their needs. They had avoided the dreaded predators and were enjoying their new life.
Big brother Nifty felt bad about Uncle Nutty, so he told the rest of the family that he was going back to see if he could convince Uncle Nutty to join them. Nifty returned to the old oak tree and found his uncle in very bad shape. Nifty told his uncle about the new tree and how they had escaped the hawks, foxes and bears.
But poor old Uncle Nutty just shook his head and said that it wasn’t worth the risk to move. Nifty sadly left him behind. Uncle Nutty was never seen again.
- Anonymous
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Change is difficult, disconcerting, causing upheavals in our day-to-day lives. The world that we live in has constant changes. For example book publishers, DVDs, rental companies and car manufacturers may have been very popular a few years ago, but they are hurting and/or have diminished. Technology advances and cell phones have revolutionized social interaction and the speed of being able to do things. And, many industries that were thriving just 10-15 years ago have become largely irrelevant.
Just saying that seems like a gross understatement compared to what has happened in just the past few weeks with the COVID-19 crisis. The virus and its fast-moving spread and overwhelming impact has affected the whole world—not just businesses, governments and commerce—but across the globe its all-encompassing effect has greatly impacted how we even interact with one another.
Shaking hands and other forms of warm greeting have become a universal “NO-NO”, as well as needing to wash our hands thoroughly and frequently and remembering to consciously avoid even touching our face. It is not safe to gather in groups of over ten people. Changes are necessary in the way we shop and what we need to buy, how we do our work, worship, educate our youth in schools, family dynamics, inter-personal relationships, along with revolutionary revisions and new ideas and implementations for the health industry, etc., etc., etc,…the way we all used to live just a few days ago has changed dramatically.
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In a world that changes from moment to moment…In a world where new challenges face us every day…
DOES GOD CHANGE, TOO?
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15
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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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