7Sep 07
My Observations of a Visitor
posted by
One Sunday afternoon, not too long ago, I sat outside on our patio, enjoying the beauties of nature while studying a very interesting book. All was peaceful and calm with hardly any distractions. That is, until I recieved a visitor. Who, because of his singular personality became a close, mind capturing, but unfortunately unfriendly companion.
First I must explain his means of arrival, and to say the least, they were quite unique. Using the powerful force of gravity he situated himself directly in the middle of my book within close proximity to my face. I quickly increased distance from face and book as I looked at this obtrusion to my peaceful setting. My suprise turned to interest as I realized what he was.
A Praying Mantis! The book quickly lost the center of attention as I observed this unique insect. Everything and anything he did filled me with interest. I assumed he must of been perching in the tree branch above me and had decided to enter a new enviroment. So, with a releasing of his powerful leg’s grip he dropped downward, consequently, landing on my book.
As I observed his movements it was easy to see how perfectly created he was for hunting and capturing fellow insects. To begin with, his color was a greenish brown; a perfect color for his usual enviroment. Furthermore, He moved as if he was a blade of grass or a leaf on a tree blowing in the wind. He would slowly manuever his head sideways, upwards, and then downwards, closely studying his surroundings. His every step and every move were stealthily taken, it seemed, with a purpose of finding prey. After a while, in expectation of his reaction, I decided to take a pen and slowly direct it towards his head. He, upon identifing it, poised himself on his hind legs and then with deadly accuracy and speed attacked the pen with a strike from his two powerful front legs. 
Later, when he had moved onto a tall flower stalk, I once again took the pen directed towards his face. He quickly but smoothily faced it, held on the stalk with his hind legs and prepared his front legs for what looked like a deadly strike. I kept moving the pen closer and closer when all of a sudden he plummeted to the ground like a rock from a catapult and 
disappeared into the grass below. I tried to find him again but the search proved fruitless. I went back to my book, amazed at this incredible creation of God but also with a mind contemplating some analogies between the praying mantis and our greatest enemy Satan.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1Peter 5:8
If any analogies came to mind while reading this post feel free to briefly relate as you leave a comment.
Well-written, brother! It looks to me like he learned from his mistake the first time and was able to tell pen from prey. To make an analogy: Our enemy rarely strikes in the same way twice. All the more need to be vigilant!
Great post Matthew, I like it how you pulled the analogy in at the end. I believe I found the praying mantis!
Ah – very captivating. I find it all too true that deception and compromise lurk within the most wonderful circumstances imaginable. Unsuspecting insects crawling amidst the breath taking flowers and rich-green vegetation have little thought for a deadly opponent. Reminds me that in our moment of greatest success and comfort is the point wherein utmost vigilance must be exercised. 1 Pet. 5:8 sums it up well!
Fascinating! Excellent analogy, Matthew!