The Little Foxes

 “Catch the foxes for us,

The little foxes

That spoil the vineyards,

For our vineyards are in blossom”

 

It’s been another hard week:  from issues with prodigals to broken hearted loved ones;   to excruciating headaches and friends enduring great loss; to recurring “mom guilt” “wife guilt” and now even “friend guilt”, a list of household projects - a mile long and growing.  The perceived deficit of time and energy is daily propagated.  So daily grows the volume of bills to pay, conversations to initiate and administrative tasks to complete.  Concerns for my children as they've entered adulthood have increased exponentially rather than subside as I naievely anticipated.  “It’s been another hard week“  is a five-word, trivial, understated assessment of the last seven days. 

A group conversation at the onset of the week affirmed what I already knew to be true – I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE in the proverbial weeds.  Most of my friends and family members have expressed similar pressures in recent days.   Along with others, I’ve acknowledged that if only one or two issues existed – then we’d be better able to manage the calendar, clock and conflict.  However, we all feel under attack with multiple issues in every facet of life.  (I didn’t even mention hormones, car or internet issues – but hey, they are not to be discounted as they add a layer of complexity uniquely problematic!) 

So, as one who routinely looks for the “good” in everything – I’m still doing so and clinging to those silver linings, but with the sheer volume of “life stuff” – it has been a bit more challenging to realign my attitude.  Last week, in a group discussion regarding “life stuff”, someone mentioned “it’s the little foxes that eat the vines.”  This passage didn’t stand out to me.  Now I know it was not by chance that I researched this text – it really spoke to me.   

Foxes are:

·         Found in deserts, but also in leafy vineyards

·         They are cute, fast, and little – because of their small size they’re not taken seriously

·         Described as crafty, carnivorous, cunning and active

·         Destructive to vines

·         Dwell in holes or underbrush so they can be hard to detect

·         Scripturally Illustrative of:

o   False prophets

o   Cunning and deceitful people

o   Enemies of the church (Song of Solomon 2:15)

Many of the “life scenarios” mentioned above are  "Little foxes” in effect - likely to distract, discourage, and set up for an attack.  However, they serve as a reminder of our need for diligence,   intentionality, and steadfast pursuit of time with the Lord.  (Not just talking to Him, or boldly “casting our cares” onto Him; but actively listening to Him while resting in His presence and His promises.) 

Let’s face it, the busier we are and the more distractions that come our way, our temptation will be to take shortcuts (I confess – GUILTY!).   The truth of the matter is that it’s in these times we especially need to make time with the Lord a priority.   Those little distractions may simply be the enemy’s way of trying to rob us of the fruitful lives we are free to experience when we abide in the Vine of Christ.   

(Since foxes exist in the desert and also in plush, green vineyards – it seems logical that we are subject to their wiles whether in a desert place or in a place of plenty.  No one is exempt.)

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:4)

"Outfoxing the foxes" leads to recapturing joy, peace, order, proper focus and a fruitful life.

 

 

Speaking of distractions, obstacles or discouragements in the form of "little foxes" - several months ago, I implemented a “worry list”.  I can’t take credit for the concept, because it was discovered via a google search.  The process is simple.  At the beginning of your personal devotions, create a written list of every concern you have – regardless of how big or small.  It could be the health of your spouse, your child or your cat; a leaking faucet; car repairs; medical bills; weight gain; hair loss; fallouts with friends; a loved one’s salvation; the crumbling marriage of a friend; a brand new marriage of another; time management issues; retirement accounts, acne on photo days, etc.  Write down any “thing” or any situation that causes you apprehension, alarm or frustration.   

Once you’ve written every concern on paper, review the list.  For each item listed, ask yourself “is there something I can do about this?  If so, create an “action item” to be completed later.  If there is nothing literally to be done about a situation, write out a simple prayer.   

This basic exercise has guarded against distraction throughout an extended time of prayer.   This process has also been beneficial by keeping issues and my appropriate response in perspective.