Walk and Stumble

Last year winter was at its peak--icy cold and biting. One day, I decided to go for a walk in the morning, not in the least aware of what was in store for me. Wearing all my warm woolens , drove my car and reached the park. As I walked through the gravel path the chilly morning air seemed to pierce my very being. My shawl slipped from the head onto the shoulders. Keeping pace with the steps I quickly covered my head tightly tucking the ends in the folds of the shawl.

My walking was now on fast pace. From the corner of the eye it seemed something crossed my path and the next instant I stumbled over something. Thinking, that I must have stumbled over a stone, turned to throw it aside. One look at the object was enough to horrify me out of my wits end.

“Jesus!” I let out a long wail, “I stepped over a squirrel”?

Bending low I quickly picked up the poor creature. Taking it near a tap sprinkled some water. Making a cushion of my shawl, I placed the squirrel and gently wrapped it. Holding close to my bosom a fervent silent prayer kept running my lips, “Please God ..save this little creature…Please don’t let it die.”

Forgetting all about the walk, I ran to my car to take the poor little creature for some medical help. The vet did his job, administered some medicine, kept the squirrel in his clinic and asked me to come next day. My world had come to halt. The guilt of nearly killing the poor creature weighed heavy on my heart. Next day the biggest joy I got was when I saw the squirrel open its eyes. Tears of joy rolled down my eyes. I thanked God for saving me from the sin of killing.