The ants are
such a good example of dependability. They gather their food…as in Proverbs
6:6-8 …Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe
her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her
food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. They collect
what they need for their “family” or “community” ant hill to survive the
winter. Are you like the ant? Out of necessity we all work to provide the food,
clothes and shelter that are essential to life. Do you have a supply of food
and water on hand for emergencies—or for use during a long winter when you are
snowed in for several days? Be someone your family can depend on by planning ahead.
Even just making menus for the month can be stress relieving. With a planned
menu you can shop, knowing just what you need, and thus have everything on hand
so you aren’t anxious during meal preparation time. Be like the ant—plan ahead.
There is a Philippine folklore that a Nuno, a hobgoblin, will curse a person, including children, if they disturb or destroy an anthill. We know that this is just a superstition—but it can
be very real to those who believe is such tales and this is a way to teach
children to be respectful. Who wants to have a swollen foot for kicking an ant
hill? They very likely could get a lot of ant bites that would make their foot
swell.
Training Tip – Are you familiar with the Aesop’s fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper? Similar to
the verse about the ant being a hard worker, this ant has stored up food for
the winter while the grasshopper sings away the summer. Then in the winter the
grasshopper is hungry and asks the ant for food. Read that story to your family
and discuss how we need to be like the ant—hard workers who dependably provide for
their family. But unlike the ant in Aesop’s fable we need to share our bounty
with others. By planning ahead we can be sure of having enough food prepared
for ourselves and guests or for the needy.
Lord, help us to follow Your example of the busy ant,
providing for the needs of our family. May our children be respectful—without
being superstitious—of things in the environment—like the anthills.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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