WHEN THE TEMPERATURE COOLS to a balmy 95 degrees in the late evening, it’s time to move your sleeping gear outside. This is what my daughter, Krista does on those hot April nights in Burkina Faso. During the day the thermometer stretches to 110 in the shade, and then “cools” to the 90’s in the evening. When this happens Krista grabs her screen tent, sleeping pad and headlamp and settles down under her “hanger.” (think of a thatch-covered porch) It is a more comfortable way to sleep, but it’s not without its problems. Such was the case this past week.
In the middle of the night, while her head was filled with dreams of a pool-side retreat and an In-N-Out burger, she was awakened by a munching sound (and it was not her eating the burger). Peering into the darkness she made out the form of a huge bull. (Think Texas Long-Horn) It was enjoying her hanger as a midnight snack. (In-N-Out Burger Drive-thru, Bilam Perga style) Desirous of not frightening the evening intruder and becoming a dance floor for some crazed Burkinabe bull she made some rustling noises in hopes of discoursing her new roommate from any more evening consumption of her home. All turned out well.
So, what’s the lesson for us? (I haven’t the foggiest idea, but it’s a great story.) Truthfully, Krista’s midnight encounter reminds me of 1 Peter 5:8. “Your enemy, the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” Since this is true, Peter implores us to keep alert…to sleep with one eye open, as it were. And if we hear him munching away at our home we are called to resist him, by standing firm in our faith.
Remember this truth; often just when we are finally resting, the danger comes. So stay alert!