Like a monster from Hell, hungry flames leap toward the sky, devouring every morsel in its path. Driven by drought and the extreme summer temperatures, Australian fires rage on. As of February first, over 27 million acres of beauty have burned.
If you look at a fire map, red freckles of hot spots spread over much of the country—making it look like a continent covered by a deadly strain of chickenpox.
33 humans.
4 firefighters.
Approximately 1 billion animals.
Dead.
Then the newest news raced across the internet. Social media blew up. With a backdrop of despair, a little hope shone brightly. The subject under scrutiny looks a bit like a chunky teddy bear with a stout pig-like body.
These Wombats saved lives by sharing their earth-cooled burrows. Though the first posts indicating Wombats were herding animals into their borrows has been debunked, the fact that they allowed other animals to shelter in their complex system of tunnels remains true.
Wombat burrows can be a hundred feet long, by eleven and a half feet deep, by twenty inches wide. To put this into perspective, three times as long as a telephone pole, deeper than a basement and wide enough for a petite person to wiggle into.
The wombat’s hospitality gave life and grace to his fellow-creatures. What is your reaction when others tread on your territory? Ruminate on these questions:
- In the heat of the moment, how do you behave? Do you show tolerance like the wombat or rage at your victim like a fire out of control?
- Do you endure uncomfortable situations for the greater good of others? Or do you bellyache or even try to manipulate another outcome?
- Do you spread encouragement? Or do you scorch any buds of hope with scathing words and a Debbie-Downer attitude?
As we look toward 2020 with a new word of the year or new goals, let’s consider our treatment of those in our world. Below are five beautiful words or actions to ponder– with scripture and suggested applications:
1. Tolerance–of those with differing political beliefs or skin color. Be kind or be quiet.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matt 7:12
2. Hope–looking toward a future with God. Remember this world is not our home.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16
3. Encouragement–handed to those who falter. Give a hand up or a word up.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Prov 16:24
4. Relinquish Control–give back to God what is his. It’s not ours to orchestrate in the first place.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Phil 4:6
5. Ban pessimism–before the words leave your lips. Think about the slant, change it, or keep it to yourself.
“A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” Prov 18:4
The Australian crisis is far from over with animal starvation looming and fifty fires still raging. But thankfully February rains and cooler temps are helping extinguish the flames. We may not be able to serve them in person, but we can pray for the Australians and our missionaries working there.
But we don’t have to travel around the world to make a difference. On the home front, we can impact others by simply changing our actions and watching our words.