The Weather was not good; clouds hung low in the valleys and a light mist was falling. But sometimes conditions improve as the day goes on so we proceeded with our plans.
Late on the previous day, we had located a herd of some 15 Rocky Mountain bighorn rams about a thousand feet up a hillside and were taking a chance
they would be in the same area. Because of the terrain, it would take a two-mile walk to get close but then they would be just off one of the trails.
As we ascended, we were going up into the clouds and the mist was turning to a light snow. Reaching the general area where we had seen the rams, we cut out of the woods onto the exposed slope. Footing was treacherous — the rocks wet and slippery, the grass covered with wet snow — and visibility was poor with the clouds occasionally opening up and then closing in again.
While Ellen stayed by the tree line, I carefully picked my way down and across. When the mist lifted enough to look around, there just ahead were some of the rams. Struggling to find firm footing and a good view point, one picture after another was taken.
What I didn’t realize was that I had unwittingly worked my way into the middle of the herd. As I was concentrating on those in front, others were at my rear curiously watching the proceedings. If those behind had taken a notion, I was totally defenseless as the visibility was too bad to see them coming and the footing too slippery to evade a charge.
The photo session went without incident, however; and when climbing up to join Ellen, I felt confident I could turn my back on the herd without fear.
As we were ascending to the trail, it occurred to us how different our situation would have been if we had come on a mountain lion in the same way. The rule of the trail with cougars is that you must front them and make yourself as big as possible. They have been known to attack hunters and will take advantage of anything which appears weak or vulnerable. In my precarious situation, there was little chance for defense; any quick move would have put me on my backside wholly exposed to attack.
Some people are like that. Shimei took advantage of David as soon as the warrior king was vulnerable. Children frequently pick on the weaker among them. We may find ourselves doing the same — speaking harshly to those who won’t speak back, adding criticism to those who are struggling spiritually, intimidating those we can and belittling those who are vulnerable. Humans can be much like mountain lions.
But God is not like that. We don’t have to worry about Him taking advantage of our weaknesses or making things worse just when we are most vulnerable. Quite the opposite, for with God we have the confidence that when we are at our weakest, He is near to lovingly provide help and strength.
Who are we like? Shimei or God; cougars or bighorns?
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One