A Squirrely Holiday

It is usually not a compliment when someone is described as “squirrely.”

“Squirreliness” isn’t a description of an industrious little rodent. No, it is a commentary on the creature’s favorite food. If you are “squirrelly,” you are a little bit NUTS.

Thanksgiving may be a good time to rehabilitate the squirrel, appreciating “squirreliness” for all it strengths and insights. It is time for a “squirrel theology.”

“Squirrel theology” is in contrast to “dog” or “cat” theology. You can buy T-shirts that ponder both of those. Or go to the website www.DogAndCatTheology.com

“Dog Theology” goes like this: “You feed me. You pet me. You shelter me. You love me. You must be God!”

“Cat Theology” goes like this: “You feed me. You pet me. You shelter me. You love me. I must be God.”

A Far Side cartoon once depicted a scientist announcing a breakthrough in understanding cat language: “They say only two things: ‘Where’s my dinner?” and “Everything here is mine.’”

So what do squirrels do with their lives that puts them on a different theological plane than dogs or cats?

First, consider that squirrels are so good at what they do they have generated a whole anti-squirrel industry — the manufacture of “squirrel-proof” bird feeders. If you have ever attempted to feed just birds and not squirrels from your backyard feeder, you know that no one has yet succeeded in creating a truly “squirrel-proof” feeder. Baffles don’t baffle them for long. Weighted feeding slots don’t get them discouraged.

Squirrels aren’t rocket scientists. But they use all their squirrely attributes to get to the prize. They dig in with their toes. They balance on precarious perches. They use their tails like anchors. They use their front paws like a surgeon’s skilled hands. The squirrel’s tactics aren’t necessarily perfect, but they are always persistent.

All squirrels antics are centered on a single-minded purpose. NUTS! And because of that single-minded purpose, they find joy in every moment as though it is the only one that matters. By the way, I think the 4-letter words NUTS is an acronym for Never Underestimate The Spirit. This Thanksgiving I want to drive you NUTS . . . so you will live a NUTS Life . . . a life that Never Underestimates The Spirit.

In our Thanksgiving Day gospel text, Jesus reminds his listeners that they too must get their priorities straight…