I started this blog last September, and it’s been sitting patiently in the drafts folder ever since. Winter is (hopefully) over in our corner of the country, which means this piece has suddenly become relevant again! So I’m dusting it off and adding a few insights 🙂

There’s nothing like finding the evidence of a mouse in your house to wake you up!

As I cleaned mess after mess, I was growing a bit weary. I was fighting from a place of defeat. The mouse appeared to be winning!

(P.S. This is not a good time to google hantavirus.)

My sweet husband came to my rescue and set a few different traps.

From that moment on, I had a skip in my step. I was fighting from a place of hope and victory, knowing that I was prepared and had the upper hand. We caught a couple mice, which provided entertainment and relief. Winter arrived and the mouse problem seemed to be a distant memory.

(Until today. Hello Spring.)

Sometimes we’re on the defense; other times we’re on offense.

Sometimes we’re reactive; other times we’re proactive.

I’m learning one key is to be on guard. We can get comfortable in our daily lives and let down our guard, and then we’re not prepared for the unexpected visitors (and any messes they make).

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬

The Greek word for “be on the alert” and “be on your guard” in these verses grēgoreō (G1127); it means “to keep awake; metaphorically, to watch, i.e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active.” This isn’t a passive guarding; it requires diligence and wisdom, intention and action.

What enemy do you need to say “no vacancy” to today? Are there any offensive moves you can make? How can you prepare to stand against the devil’s schemes? Where do you need to put up a “no trespassing” sign?

❤

For this week’s song suggestion, listen to Cover the Earth by Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes! I am especially loving the bridge:

“Fear has no choice but to bow

Chains have no choice but to break

Shame has no choice but to leave

In Your presence”