Hedgehogs
Our garden is not just ours; we share it with some local wildlife. In recent months the trees have provided space for some birds to nest and have chicks.
However, two local cats discovered the nests and tried to attack them. It was fascinating to watch the parents defend their babies. I also had to intervene on a few occasions ‘encouraging’ the cats to leave them alone!
Over the years, I have planted some shrubs that have attracted bees, and they regularly visit to collect the nectar and pollen.
We also have a family of hedgehogs who live somewhere between the back of our, and our neighbour’s garden. It’s been lovely to see them wander around at dusk.
Our neighbour puts out food for them every evening, and if they go away, we take over the feeding duties.
As I was putting out the hedgehog's food recently, it got me thinking about what we ‘feed’ on.
It’s not just the food we eat (our body), but we can feed our mind, soul and spirit as well.
Our Government has been encouraging the nation to eat more healthy food and to exercise regularly, which I think is a good thing.
I run three times a week alone, for my own well-being. I find that running in the local countryside helps to refresh my mind.
Last year, I visited London and spent time in one of its old churches and even visited the Tower of London, lapping up the history. This fed my soul.
But what about our spirit? Jesus said this...
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Jesus quoted part of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, when he was in the desert and had been fasting and the Devil himself came to tempt him!
Jesus was sustained by what God had said because he had ‘fed’ on it. In other words, he had read and remembered it.
God has given us the Bible (his written word) as ‘food’ for us to live on. It feeds our spirit, and, in my experience, has sustained, encouraged, challenged and comforted me.
Let me encourage you to make the Bible part of your daily feeding routine!
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader