I have heard it said that snapping turtles cannot retreat into their shells and surmised that this vulnerability makes them aggressive and snappy. These creatures are one reason I feel vulnerable when swimming in lakes and ponds. The idea of one snatching off my toes as I paddle above them keeps me in the shallows. Apparently my fears are unfounded, for in their natural environment, they are most likely to swim away from people, going to depths to avoid any raucous that stirs up their watery tranquility.
Snapping turtles and I have more in common than I once thought. While I may not be aggressive and snappy, necessarily, I might avoid a new situation to remain in the comfort of my status quo. I can sink in a lack of confidence, an overgrowth of anxiety or sheer stubbornness and must force myself to rise again and again or drown in them.
Often these choices, to remain in or go out, are unimportant in the grand scheme of God, but sometimes they are promptings, His calling. A simple call to the park one day changed my life. I discerned that voice inside to be His and followed. And after all, even snapping turtles are called to leave their comfort and travel on land to lay eggs. Their Maker prompts them and they follow.
Knowing God is discerning His voice and His callings. His plan moves in all creatures. I come complete, like the common snapping turtle, with the voice that spoke me into existence. He is still speaking to me. I listen for His voice and move in His direction.
The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Ninevah and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. Jonah 1:1-2
Meeting God at the Park 