Bruce and I took a walk along Fish Creek Road last evening. A beaver has taken over a large part of Fish Creek, which runs parallel to the road.

A few years ago, when he first appeared, the signs of his presence seemed minimal.

But as the years have passed, Mr. Beaver has really made Fish Creek his home.

He’s built a large lodge.

He’s dammed up several sections of the creek.

He’s downed multiple trees. The damage to trees around his environment is truly awful…or impressive. It looks like a bomb has blasted all the trees down to pointed stumps.

He’s gotten himself a mate, and recently we saw one of his kits swimming upstream of the lodge.

So last evening as we strolled near the beaver environment, two photographers were just leaving.

Aha, they must have seen the beaver if they’re carrying all that heavy photographic equipment and a tripod.

Sure enough, Mr. Beaver was swimming in his do-it-yourself swimming pool. We followed him upstream. He came out of the water and headed straight toward a large aspen tree about ten feet from the water.

Poor tree, you’re doomed.

While he noisily gnawed near the base of the tree, another family joined us to watch.

Beaver must be pretty used to humans because he didn’t seem bothered by our presence.

Mrs. Beaver came out of the water, too, and daintily cut greenery, then dragged it back into the pond and floated toward their lodge.

There are many things you can say about beavers: large rodent, industrious, architecturally amazing, great swimmers, destructive, voracious, a nuisance, or a pleasure to watch.

But the lesson I learn from the beaver is that he continues to build his kingdom, year after year.

If a storm comes and damages a part of his claim, he’s right out there, fixing it.

He inspects his watery property daily and continually maintains it.

He stockpiles food for the days when summertime abundance fades.

God has called Mr. Beaver to be a beaver.

He doesn’t look up at the heavens and shake his fist because of the lot he’s been given.

He doesn’t whine that he was not made an eagle or a moose or a mountain lion.

The beaver has a calling to cut down trees, construct dams, and lodges. Unless he dies, he will be faithful to live out God’s plan.

May I be more like the beaver: humble to do what God instructs, faithful to keep at the job, and determined to expand my influence.