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Hightail It

Hightail It

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Hightail It--Chipmunk with tail upIn our neck of the woods, we see chipmunks, squirrels, deer, and other critters hightail it across our yards.

Whether they chase food, one another, or something else, we love to watch them.

To hightail it means to go quickly.

The meaning comes from certain animals raising their tails when running. This may happen when they rush forward or run away. In both instances, they leave in a hurry.

People, as well as animals, hightail it.

We sometimes rush toward a goal. Other times, we flee from someone or something.

  • We hurry when late for a meeting.
  • Students rush from class when the bell rings.
  • We head for safety if dangerous weather approaches.

In old western movies, cowboys jump on their horses and hightail it out of there. They leave immediately and ride as fast as they can.

Sometimes God tells us to run. Other times, God tells us to stand firm.

 When tempted to do wrong, we want to run from it. However, when tempted to back down from truth, God calls us to remain strong and courageous.

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV).

Thanks to Marita Smeathers Mantooth for the suggestion.

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Put Your Best Foot Forward

Put Your Best Foot Forward

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Put Your Best Foot Forward--Deer in front of honeysuckle vinesThis young deer probably never heard you should put your best foot forward. Nevertheless, she did a great job demonstrating it. She nibbled on that honeysuckle vine with speed and purpose.

I thought she would run when I stepped onto the porch. However, she kept eating except when she turned to pose. She and her mama stared at me while I stared at them.

To put your best foot forward means to work quickly and with great effort.

You determine not to get off on the wrong foot. Instead, you:

In the process, you often impress others.

When you put your best foot forward, you act with enthusiasm.

In addition to hard work, you maintain a positive attitude. Your example may also lead others to work harder and better. Your passion may become their passion.

“Acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you” (1 Thessalonians 5:12 NIV).

Thanks to Joanne Viola for the suggestion.

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On

Not Have a Leg to Stand On

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Not Have a Leg to Stand On--deer with one leg missing
Deer Me – No Leg

My friend Sharon recently bought a small decorative deer that did not have a leg to stand on. Actually, it had three legs, but the fourth leg was missing.

Sharon was not sure when she could exchange the deer. Creative person that she is, she used her grandchildren’s play dough to make a new leg. She painted the leg, so it would not look like it wore a cast.

Not have a leg to stand on means we have no support for our thoughts, words, or actions.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--Deer with play dough leg
Play Dough to the Rescue

No facts back up our position. We lack the evidence we need. This applies to:

  • Personal positions
  • Courtroom arguments
  • Scientific studies
  • Medical trials
  • Educational research
  • Political stands

With no leg to stand on, we have no possibility for success. Regardless of our efforts, we end up spinning our wheels. We waste our time.

When that happens, we need to correct the situation.

Like my friend, we alter our circumstances. We may:

  • Change our stand
  • Take a new stand

Whatever we do, we want to seek and follow the truth.

We don’t give up. Rather, we find a better way. As my friend did with her deer, we fix what’s broken.

When we don’t have a leg to stand on, remember to look to the one who created us.

Not Have a Leg to Stand On--repaired leg
Ready to Serve Again

We may be broken and disabled, but God can pick up the pieces of our brokenness and make us whole again.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all” (Isaiah 7:9 NIV).

Thanks to Sharon Berry for the suggestion and photos.

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It Is What It Is

It Is What It Is

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It Is What It Is--stump with a moose carvingIt is what it is. That reality applies to all of life. Much we can change, but not everything.

It is what it is refers to a situation we can’t change.

We don’t like it, but we can’t undo what has been done, so we:

  • Accept it
  • Do the best we can
  • Move on with our lives

We must deal with life as it comes.

When we can’t change it, we make the most of it. Yes, it is frustrating. Yes, it is hard. That’s life. We deal with it as it is.

A simple example: What do we do with a stump? The tree is gone. Do we:

  • Do nothing and leave the stump where it is?
  • Dig it up and fill the hole with dirt?
  • Try to make it beautiful?

It Is What It Is--honeysuckle covered stumpTree carvers turn stumps into works of art. Most of us don’t have that skill. My family’s solution: We let honeysuckle cover the stump. Honeysuckle is a weed, but we love its blooms.

Our stump is still a stump, but we chose to make the best of a bad situation.

Before I took the honeysuckle picture, a deer ate most of its blooms. I was disappointed, but it is what it is. I took the picture anyway.

Occasionally, it is what it is becomes an excuse to do nothing.

Although hard, most difficulties are not impossible. We simply don’t want to deal with them.

Let’s use this expression to motivate, not to excuse.

Make the most of life as it is.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV).

Thanks to Karen Atwood for the suggestion. First image by Kai from Pixabay.

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How the Sausage Is Made-Harriet Michael book, Glimpses of the SaviorOn Saturday, October 22, I will randomly select the name of one person on my mailing list to receive a free copy of Shirley Crowder and Harriet Michaels’s devotional book, Glimpses of the Savior: 50 Meditations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. If you are not already on my mailing list, you can sign up here.

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Deer in the Headlights

Deer in the Headlights

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Deer in the Headlights-deer on a foggy road In our garden spot of the world, we have to watch for deer in the headlights. We have several trees on one side of the road and farm fields on the other. Although beautiful and fun to watch, deer cause many accidents.

Deer in the headlights freeze in the middle of the road.

Both cars and the people in them suffer damage if they fail to stop in time. Therefore, we drive slower in certain areas.

If we act like deer in the headlights, we also freeze in place.

Causes include:

  • Fear
  • Surprise
  • Confusion
  • Strong emotions

We might:

  • Get caught red-handed
  • Experience unexpected and overwhelming responsibilities
  • Face decisions with no easy answers
  • Receive news of a birth, marriage, death, or other major family event

Although we freeze at times, unsure what to do, we don’t have to face the future alone.

God offers guidance and hope, whatever our situation.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24 NIV).

Thanks to Carole Fite for the suggestion. Image by enriquelopezgarre from Pixabay

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