When the Serpent Lurks

I’m afraid of snakes–like really, really afraid.

Even the kind that won’t harm me? Yep, I’m scared of them too.

Perhaps it’s my lack of knowledge.

After all, I can’t determine the venomous ones from the others.

Or maybe it’s past experience.

Like that beautiful summer evening, ruined when a snake surprised me by dangling down from the upper rack of our dishwasher. (Am I sorry he met an untimely demise? No.)

I don’t think I’ve opened the dishwasher since without thinking about that, though we do now have a new one. (The one with the snake was subsequently blown up with Tannerite, but that’s a story for another time.)

Imagine my horror when, on a bright Monday morning, I met… you guessed it!

A lurking serpent.

And not just a slithering creature spied from afar. Oh no!

This one happened to be in the same adobe nest built particularly for tiny barn swallows–those I’ve been watching so intently, cheering them on, waiting for them to grow that they might fledge.

Minding my own business, I’d plucked dead growth from my potted geranium on the porch just prior to entering the tiny house where I work.

Looking up to say good morning to those snuggled down inside the stucco nest, I saw it–that coiled creature I fear, and with the babies I so adore.

Honestly, I almost became physically sick at the sight.

Gathering my wits about me, I went inside.

What was I to do?

I called my brave husband Bill, but he was at work and couldn’t take the call.

Attempting to get ahold of someone at N.C. Wildlife, I waited on hold for, ironically, a really long time, considering I’d dialed their emergency hotline.

Finally, I called our local vet. A receptionist friend answered, and I was thankful it was her.

“Lacy…” I managed, my voice quivering. “I have an odd question, thought maybe someone there could help me.”

She could hear the rise of emotion. “Oh, Maureen, what is it?”

That’s when I began to cry, barely choking out the words, “There’s a… snake in the… barn swallows’ nest. I… I can see it sort of hanging out, coiled around.”

Lacy, too, was horrified. “Oh no! And are there babies in the nest?”

“Two. Recently hatched.”

Again, “Oh, Maureen…” She paused, “Can you knock the nest down? Kill the snake? Perhaps the babies are still alive.”

“Um,” I hesitated. “I’m terrified of snakes, but…maybe.” I shivered. “I’m… afraid they may be dead, and I’m not sure how long the snake’s been in the nest. They’re likely smothered if not…” I couldn’t manage to say what I feared the most.

“Are the parents swooping around in distress?”

“Yes, they keep flying by, and I’m sure they’re upset.”

“Okay. Be brave.” Lacy cleared her throat before continuing. “Knock down that nest if you can’t get the snake out any other way. At least you can put those poor parents out of their misery. And…” She took a deep breath. “Kill that snake.”

Oh, but could I? Even though I desired to fight on behalf of those innocent baby barn swallows, did I have what it would take to really kill a snake?

“I’ll try,” I managed. “Thank you.”

We hung up, and I walked to the garage. Grabbing a shovel and a broom, I placed the items on the front porch before returning to get the stepladder.

“Lord, help me,” I prayed as I steadied myself on the ladder, preparing for the battle with the serpent. “I’m… afraid.”

But with a burst of courage, I gave a couple swift shoves with the broom handle and the nest–snake and babies too–dropped to the deck. Then…

(And please don’t read this part if you love snakes because I don’t want you to hate me. I’m really a gentle person.)

I took the shovel and, with several quick blows, ended the snake, then threw him into the pond where I’m sure he became food for fish and snapping turtles.

And much to my surprise, there were still two fluttering baby birds. Neither had been eaten and both, though very small, seemed unharmed.

But this presented another dilemma.

I knew I couldn’t remount the nest, so what was I to do?

Dodging the distressed barn swallows as they swooped over my head, I realized: They think I’m the predator, not their babies’ protector.

Again, I prayed. “What should I do, Lord?”

Only God could’ve given me the idea.

Taking a small, round basket from our closet, I lined it with a paper towel. Then I placed a plastic container in the bottom to provide a sturdy base that would slightly boost the nest, bringing it level with the basket’s rim and making it possible for the barn swallow parents to better see their babies.

Having just organized an odds-and-ends drawer earlier that morning, I’d noticed a window hook. Might it be sturdy enough to allow me to hang the basket on the exterior light, inches from where the adult birds had built their nest earlier?

And then there was the problem of handling the babies. I’d heard human contact wouldn’t really deter the adults, causing them to abandon their young–that this was a myth.

I’d take my chances. Carefully, I lifted them back into the nest before hanging this MacGyver-style new structure from the light fixture.

Tears were still streaming down, though I wasn’t sure if they were sad or happy ones. Maybe both. But I prayed once more–

“Oh God, You care so much more for these, Your creatures, than I do. Please help their parents receive them back, to care for them that they might grow and, eventually, fly away. What a miracle that would be! But You are the One who does the miraculous!”

Returning to the house, I watched from my upstairs bedroom window, and though it took a little bit of time, I witnessed the barn swallow parents flying around, checking out the new scenario.

And wonder of wonders–they eventually began landing on the edge of the basket, seeming to care, once again, for their two babies.

I’m not sure how this story will end, because it just happened. But I’m hopeful.

Most of all, I’m in awe at God’s goodness, and I’m grateful for how He uses such experiences to teach us to trust Him more.

What did I learn from this?

• Listen to others—Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance (Proverbs 20:18).
• Be brave—Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6).
• Ask God for wisdom—If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
• Act—Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the [enemy’s] schemes (Eph. 6:10-12).
• Leave the outcome in God’s hands—You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever,
      for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal (Is. 26:3-4).

**(All scripture from the NIV.)**

We have an enemy–a serpent who seeks whom he may devour.

But we also have a Savior–One who never leaves us and always answers when we call.

I, for one, am grateful…

Though I’ll likely be afraid of snakes–

Until heaven!

What about you?

• Of what are you most afraid?
• Have you ever had to face your fear(s)?
• If so, what helped you act with courage?
• Is there a particular scripture passage that serves as your weapon when you face the enemy?

Kind Father, thank You for caring for all Your creatures, both large and small. Help us when we’re afraid. Enable us to be courageous in all life’s battles. Remind us that, though he lurks, the enemy’s been defeated. Amen!