Learning When To Trust

At last, after two hours of traveling, the Forest Guardian had them rest. Fawn wanted to run and play but Bramblewood was so tired and  hungry. They picked some berries along the way and filled their containers with water from the stream when they arrived at the clearing. They ate and drank and rested, listening to the soothing sounds of the little waterfalls and the stream directly behind them.

"This place has the same sounds as my lake at home, but my waterfall is much bigger." said Bramblewood. "We have blueberries and strawberries to eat, too."

"Yes, you have a beautiful home, Bramblewood." said the Forest Guardian. "Sometimes things are not so different. The animals and people are much the same also. But not always. So tell me, what have you seen and learned on your journey so far?"

"Well, I have learned that  the crawlers and hoppers are the same." replied Bramblewood. "I have yet to encounter anything bad but our journey is not over even though we have traveled a very long way."

"Oh yes, very far!" said Fawn with a smile. "A whole two hours! Why, we just might be on the other side of the world!"

"There are villages up ahead and you can see the people and their animals when we get there." said the Forest Guardian. "They may seem quite strange to you and I think it best that you stay hidden from them. Some, can be dangerous for a little mouse." Bramblewood listened intently as he stood on a mushroom stool. "What do humans look like?" he asked.

"They look like me in many ways." said the Forest Guardian, "but I doubt their intentions are the same as mine. Some humans are kind and gentle, others not so. Their animals, for the most part, are safe to be with, but I'm not so sure it would be safe for you so you must not go ahead of me.."

"Oh, I won't." Bramblewood said anxiously. "But I am curious about what they do and what they look like. Do you suppose I can to talk to them? I have so many questions!"

"No, Bramblewood." the Forest Guardian said firmly. "There are things you must understand. Just because you are gentle, does not mean others are. Just because you are a good mouse, does not mean others are good. It is important to take time in acquaintances.  Your instincts should serve you well if you rely on them. You may meet an animal or two but it is best to leave the humans alone. Be careful whom you trust, Bramblewood. Some people can be violent."

Exposing ourselves or our homes to strangers is not being responsible. Just because God says to show charity, He did not mean to do so in an irresponsible way. You can still love the way Christ wants you to without putting yourself or your family into harm's way. What good is it to allow others to destroy or to have control over what God has given you?

© Copyright Cheryl Taul
September 2009