2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (NIV)

Dustme is a cockatoo that has become an interesting part of my daughter’s household.

He is very curious, and every time I visit, they have a new story of his antics. He’s learned to imitate the ‘phone, bark when the dog doesn’t, and tap on the aquarium so the fish pay attention. He is now on friendly terms with the Yorkie since he lost the battle which cost him most of the feathers he had at the time.

He has a large cage near the front window, and he can watch the world go by when his family is at work. The first one home opens the cage and gives him his freedom — as long as he stays off the kitchen cupboards.

One day last summer, Dustme decided to escape when the outside door was open. Can you just imagine how he felt? “Fresh air, no walls, no restrictions at all!” First he landed on the eave, then off to the birch tree’s lowest branch. When anyone got too close, he went just out of reach. The family’s greatest concern was where he would go to sleep or eat and whether he would fit in with other birds.

What no one noticed was the interest the ravens were taking in this unusual fowl. Once Dustme became aware of it, he found a friendly shoulder to perch on and went back inside.

How like us! God’s restrictions are for our protection and benefit. Yet we want to do it ourselves. We don’t always see the peril right away. Thankfully, our heavenly Father is aware of all our needs and shortcomings, and offers His protection before we ask.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us to be aware of the snares Satan has laid down for us. Give us courage to go forth as long as Your will is our command, and keep us safe from our own pride. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shirley Dobie sherl@telus.net
Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca