Josiah Road

Reptilian Statues

In a recent trip to Arkansas, I was reminded of my Northern roots. In Canada, there are things one might see that would surprise a visitor but not a local. Snow, a Tim Hortons (a popular Canadian chain of coffee and doughnut shops), or a moose would not catch a Canuck off guard! However, as I peered out the car window, I was now the tourist. And when I spotted a sign reading: “Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo,” I knew we had to check it out. As my friends and I entered the building, we found ourselves surrounded by alligator paraphernalia. After paying admission, we spent the next hour experiencing this unique Arkansas attraction. We fed slices of bread to goats and emus (confirming that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder), stood in awe of the lions and chuckled at the turkeys. But the highlight of the experience was definitely the alligators themselves. Guided by a fearless man who must have been the late Steve Irwin’s long-lost cousin (with a different accent and less teeth), we entered the dimly lit alligator building. Inside were several pits, filled with the giant reptiles. They were amazing¬–modern-day dinosaurs that exuded power and authority by their frightening presence. When Alligator Man jumped into the pit and lifted one onto the ledge for us to pet, my initial reaction was a sense of unease (and curiosity at how many toes he still had). However, I reached out and touched the leathery skin of the monster before me and was amazed at the wonder of God’s creation. As we concluded our time at the alligator farm, there were many things on my mind, but one thing in particular stuck out: The entire time we watched those creatures, they remained absolutely still. They appeared to be not concerned in the least by the constant activity surrounding them. It was like staring into a pit of statues, and I would not soon forget it. Sometimes God just wants us to be still. However, my lifestyle rarely aligns with this desire. If I slow down for any length of time from my busy schedule I become anxious. I am constantly moving from one thing to another, allowing my mind to be occupied by the various distractions of life. I drain my time and energy into the temporary pool of self-indulgence, and then wonder why I am spiritually dry. Today my heart is distressed, yesterday my mind was confused, and tomorrow will bring something new. As I stumble through the emotions of life I often forget the One who created it all. I let fear of the unknown overshadow the One who is all-knowing. I let the noise of the 21st century drown out the One who is timeless. When I become so busy that I lose sight of what really matters, it is time to be still.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10