Beaver Nudges

It was an incredible performance!

The time was sunset with traces of reddish-orange colored cloud streaking across the sky. It was a glorious autumn evening. Concerned about a strained relationship between two people, I sat on a bench looking at the smooth placid waters of the river. I prayed, waited and stared at the waters of the river.

Suddenly there was a splash in the water! A long dark form appeared. Surely, it wasn’t an over-sized walleye – a common fish in that area. Then, a second long dark form appeared above the surface of the water. What was it, I thought? Breaking free of my previous thought pattern, I began to walk cautiously toward the edge of the river bank so that these “forms” would not be scared away. At last, the identity of these creatures became clear –they were beavers! A great Canadian symbol.

These two beavers played around in the river for a couple of minutes. Then, they would come together and nudge or touch each other. There was the pattern of a nudge and then separation and then another nudge. Why? Do beavers need regular touches or nudges of love, encouragement and affirmation?

One thing is certain. In our rhythm of rest, work and play, we all need to provide nudges of love and encouragement. All human beings have this need. Christians in the midst of a constant spiritual battle certainly need regular touches of love and affirmation — actions that say “I love you” or “I need you”. These words were written to Christians of the first century, A.D.:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God has forgiven you”. (Ephesians 4:32)

Be intentional in giving someone the “touch of love” today. Start with your marriage. Ruth Graham said that “marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” Read I Corinthians ch.13 and write each verse in your own words (a paraphrase). Then, list specific ways in which you can show the love of Christ to someone near you. Make a list of actions which you can do that says to each of your family that says “I love you”.

Then, enlarge your circle of influence to others in need.

Listen to the voice of our Lord Jesus who says: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another!” (John 13:34) Beaver nudges in Jesus’ name!