Fox-Proofing Relationships

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Song of Songs 2:15 NIV

Living out of town, our family has been graced with numerous wild animals over the years. Recently, a family of foxes selected the deck in our backyard to nest under. Mesmerized, we watch the mother fox and her four kits scamper around the yard, chase their siblings, and tumble over each other.

While the baby foxes are cute and entertaining, they are also destructive. They tear up the landscape fabric in the flowerbeds; they chew on anything left outside; and they dine on small animals around our yard. I can’t say I am unhappy about the decrease in our mole invasion though.

Little foxes generally don’t create major problems—unless they are in the hands of Samson (see Judges 15:4-5). They can, however, cause damage as depicted in Song of Songs 2:15 NIV, Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom. If the foxes damage the vines or the budding blooms, the fruit may not develop.

I am reminded of this verse as I nurture the vegetable seedlings planted in containers lining the deck. Soon, the foxes will mature enough to climb into the containers and wreak havoc with the plants. Therefore, I am considering various strategies to fox-proof this area.

Some spiritual fox-proofing may be necessary, as well. Drawing from Song of Songs 2:15 and John 5:15, we find the vine represents Jesus, the off-shoots represent His followers, and the foxes represent anything that keeps us from a thriving, fruitful relationship with Jesus. Fox-proofing my intimacy with Jesus involves honestly assessing any sins or distractions, devising a plan of attack, carrying out the plan, and maintaining it.

Our little foxes may be different, but Jesus is available to help us catch them.

Lord, illuminate and remove any hindrances to a thriving relationship with You. We desire Your Spirit to flow freely in and through us, producing a bountiful crop of spiritual fruit.

Terri Vardeman