The Anthill of Life

At first, it was just an itch on my hand. I was working in the flowerbeds on a glorious Spring day when the itch became wild fire. Inside my glove, I saw too many fire ants having me for breakfast. It is not good to stand on an anthill. Later, each bite formed a white head and became a bad memory. Ants!

The next morning, my hand hurt and itched. Somehow, my devotions led me to Proverbs 6:6-8 NLT – “Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter.”

You will not believe this, but, later in the day, I read an article by Jason Bittel. He was discussing the matabele ant that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Their favorite food is the termite. The ant will invade the termite mound risking their own life to carry food back to their colony. The article focused on a new study that revealed that these ants will rescue fellow-ants who have been injured in battle, and bring them back to the colony to recuperate. As Bittle said, “No ant left behind.”

So, it seemed to me that there was a message in the ants. QUESTION: If life is an anthill, what kind of ant are you? Here are some possibilities:

1. ArrogANT – Exaggerated sense of your own importance

2. DefiANT – Obstinate, uncooperative, and non-compliant

3. TruANT – Absent from responsibilities; a runaway

4. RepugnANT – Repulsive, foul, nasty, and hateful

5. ErrANT – Straying from the proper course, delinquent

Or instead, are you:

1. VibrANT – Full of energy and enthusiasm

2. GallANT – Brave, heroic, and courageous

3. ConstANT – Steady, resolute, and unwavering

4. VigilANT – Watchful, attentive, and alert

5. ElegANT – Graceful, dignified, and committed to excellence

There is a lesson in the anthill for all of us. May we all be repentANT before the Lord, and true servANTS. May we be jubilANT in our trials, and radiANT in the dark passages of life. The Lord will provide abundANT blessings as we live with an expectANT heart.