By Astacoides - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26452342
SpinyCheek Crayfish
The spinycheek crayfish is native to the east coast of North America, from Quebec to the lower James River in Virginia. They are decapods, meaning they have ten legs, two of which are claws. These crawfish live on the bottom of freshwater pools, such as lakes, ponds, and swamps.
They prefer flat, sandy, rocky floors. They use rocks to make burrows while in the water.
What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?
I love the endless diversity of God’s creation- from soaring eagles to spinycreek crayfish that burrow under rocks in the water. Even water creatures are incredibly diverse. I have fond memories as a boy fishing with my father.
We would catch fluke, flounder, mackerel, and crabs - all so very different. And they existed in different parts of the water - showing that there is a place for everyone in God’s creation. And I’m impressed by their resilience to make homes under rocks.
Author - The Rt. Rev. Doug Fisher
I work in the ecosystem of the Connecticut River Valley, in the mountains of the Berkshires, and in Worcester County.
Infinite Creator God, thank you for all the living things you have made. You delight in giving humanity gift upon gift from your imagination and love. Help us to learn wise ways to protect and celebrate your creatures, human, tamed, and wild; that we may share peacefully and completely in your kindness and agape love with all creation. May we be a blessing to all that you have created as we glorify you. Amen.
Prayer by the Rev. Diana Rogers