Photo below is used with permission. ID 93120789 | Eastern Garter Snake © Paul Reeves | Dreamstime.com
Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter snakes are both predators and prey. They feed on mice as well as aquatic animals, and in turn, are food for birds of prey, as well as foxes and other such mammals.
What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?
At Emmanuel, we have extensive gardens and grounds that we share with many animals - including garter snakes. They are very good at hiding, so we rarely see them. Yet we see evidence of their presence. They feed on rodents and keep that population in check. They, in turn, are food for the hawks in the area who spot them from the air. Garter snakes, though rarely seen, help bring life and health to our campus.
I have decided that God works like garter snakes. Like them, God is hidden, yet always present and working for and through us. God gives us life and helps us to sustain it. God helps us to find beauty in unexpected places. We find hope during fearful times and solace in the midst of sorrow. Through God's love, we experience healing of body, mind, and spirit.
The Hidden God is eternally present and active in our lives. TBTG.
Author - The Rev. Joan Testin
Joan Testin is the Rector of Emmanuel Church in beautiful Cumberland, Rhode Island. They tend to find God in quirky things, and following Jesus brings them great joy.
O Creator God, you are known by your loving embrace of the undeserving and those who suffer: Grant us sight of your justice and conviction to love all creatures; through Jesus Christ the Wisdom of Creation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Creation Collect (Proper 21 Year C) from Season of Creation, A Celebration Guide for Episcopal Parishes