The crow was minding his own business. Doing what crows do. Pecking, searching for morsels of food in the lawn near the hotel.

My husband and I, vacationing in the Northwest, had just climbed out of our car at the hotel parking lot.

Just as we finished unloading our luggage from the trunk I heard an outraged “caw, caw.” A flock of seagulls had spotted the crow, landed, and formed a threatening circle. They took turns harassing him, lunging forward for a nip at his tail or his wings.

Finally, in desperation, the crow broke through the malevolent group and flapped upward into a ponderosa tree. Once on top of a bough, he scrabbled further within the protective spiny leaves.

Mean-intentioned as the seagulls were, they didn’t dare try to follow Mr. Crow. Sea gulls are ill-equipped—with their long narrow wings meant for soaring over bodies of water, and webbed feet,—to land on tree branches.

From his safe perch within the pine boughs, Mr. Crow taunted the sea gulls, who screamed their fury back at him.

Because I love suspense, I’d stayed to watch the scene unfold. I am always amazed at the smarts demonstrated by the so-called “dumb” animals.

Crows are really smart. From a high vantage point, they scout out their surroundings and shout warnings to their cohorts of lurking danger.  They avoid seagull mobs by going where no seagull has gone before. They’re social and adaptable.

But people:

1.  venture into danger—whether physical or emotional— and tell themselves they can handle any difficulty that arises.
2.  often ignore warnings
3.  get their “hackles” raised when a friend or relative tries to give wise advice.
4.  try to outrun trains at railroad crossings.

Wouldn’t it be great to be as smart as a crow every day? To know just exactly what to do when danger surrounds?

Our wise heavenly Father has blessed us with His Book. Not to make us miserable, or to hold us back, but to protect us and keep us from wandering into dangerous situations.

Just like the wise crow, I need to be equipped for my own type of survival every day… by reading and studying God’s Word.

“The fear of God builds up confidence and makes a world safe for your children.” (verse from Proverbs 14, The Message)