I distinctly remember learning about personification in school, attributing human characteristics to animals or objects. It was in regard to poetic imagery, lumped with metaphors and similes but nowadays it’s a common thing to attribute human ways to animals. When I found this frog in the middle of the path that curves around the pond, I have to admit, I couldn’t help but wonder what he was thinking. Had he dreamed of being a model, the way he allowed my lens to get so close? Had he knighted himself the sentinel of the back quarter, refusing my passage to the bench? Was he addled?
I knelt there eyeing this frog for some time. Whatever he was thinking, the risk to his life didn’t seem worth it. I could have scooped him up and dropped him into my pocket or squashed him mistakenly under my shoe. But never mind what this frog was thinking, what have I been thinking? How I have gambled with my life, gifts, purpose, self-respect. And for what? Nothing on this earthly path is worth winning at the expense of the life God has for me, His beloved.
So I walk in His holy presence. I tread lightly, so not to squelch those gifts He sets before me and hold those I have received with gratitude. I heard once to walk with measure and peace, as if the Holy Spirit were a dove sitting on my shoulder. I love that metaphor. I don’t want Him to lift away from me for even a moment.
Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. Genesis 25:31-34
Meeting God at the Park 