August 16, 2013 - Lessons From The Dirt Dauber's Nest

Rounding out the week with some of my favorite, A-team folks. Good morning, and praying that you are finding a reason to rejoice this morning. Sometimes the issues of life are simply overwhelming and it seems that everyone BUT us can rejoice. I understand; but Jesus is really kind to offer to come into those issues, get into our yoke and make our burdens more pleasurable. That is a reason to rejoice. If we invite Him into the things which are most affecting how we view life and ourselves, often His perspective and His carrying of our yoke makes the issues not as difficult. Jesus says His yoke is easy - ours, without Him, is often not. I am watching the dirt daubers outside my living room window - I know you are thinking, "another science lesson" - build their nests and throughout the past few months add layer after layer. Some of them are almost 8 inches long. Have you ever explored inside the cones? I have...and with eighth grade students using microscopes. Fabulous! Inside the cone we discover that the dauber has a well planned and crafted plan for survival. They know the key to great planning and that without it - life could end, and not end well. I want us to see something here today. Inside the catacombs we find sections of offspring and sections of spiders. The adult dauber prepares the catacomb, gathers the fresh spiders, tucks them away and seals the end. Then, their offspring are placed in the next catacomb and again sealed for protection. This layering occurs in a pattern for several months until the nest is completed. When you examine the nest and the catacombs (depending upon which season you dissect them), a picture of planning is unfolded. If you pull the nest down in the fall, you will discover more of a "dormant, not-so-many babies emerging" scenario. You will, however, find more spiders who have been captured and sealed for the winter's food supply. In the early spring, however, as you dissect the tube you will find evidence that great planning works. The babies are growing as they have fed off the spiders and in some sections the spiders are soft, as they have not fully been consumed. However, in other catacombs, the spiders are brittle and only certain sections remain. This indicates that the babies have enjoyed food for the winter which has given them an opportunity to live. Let's use this picture as a planning spark. You know the season of life that you and your family are in. Start planning and storing away those healthy things - now - because you know the summer fruits and veggies are decreasing in abundance. Canning and freezing are great options, although I am not certain how to do that with watermelon. :) Planning to keep my pantry and fridge stocked with healthy items for my family when a late night "let's grab something fun to eat and watch a late movie" occurs is critical. This will happen - I have teenagers! I am amazed at how often my grandchildren open the pantry doors and check. How about at your house? Can you imagine the baby dauber checking the cell for spiders and there is none - no food supply to give them any hope of life. UGH. I always want my family and friends to find life in my house, my lunch box, and party invitations. I can do that - we can do that. Right? Let's restock our "catacombs" regularly. Let it be said of us - we are life givers! Talk again on August 27th - I'm on vaca until then with no internet or cell phone. YIKES! PK PS - Next LIfe Group is August 8th at 6pm at my house. Let me know if you can attend.