Dear Jesus,
as that nutty squirrel was watching me through my kitchen window, trying to assess the best path of entry, I realized that I am nutty as well.
I, too, live in the trash. I have grown quite comfortable amid the squalor of sin. Yet, somewhere in my conscience, I sense a little discomfort, a bit of unease, and if someone were to round the corner and find me in my state of sinfulness, I would quickly jump with fear and race away like the squirrel, afraid that someone might find out the truth about me. I am afraid that others might know that I praise You with my mouth, but far too often, my heart fails to follow my words. I fear that it may become quite transparent that for the most part, my foolish heart is content to stay here in the refuse of sin.
Like that squirrel peering through the window to a better life, I also dream of a different life, an easy, pleasant life. But, that easy, pleasant life is not in Your plans for me. Just as that squirrel cannot be content with the blessing of a beautiful home of trees and grasses in which to live and play, and healthy nuts to eat, I also am not content with my beautiful home and family. Too often, I lose myself in daydreams of a life that could never be, because the only life You have ever meant for me is the life that I have now.
I do not want to be a nutty squirrel, Jesus. I want to be your devoted and faithful follower, loving You, and enjoying the life You have given me here and now. Help me to see that You have given me all I need and all that I could ever want, and there is nothing that is better. Help me to shake my patterns of sin and greed that keep me searching for more and give me the sweet contentment that can only come from resting in You. Amen.
