I have a voyeur squirrel! I know this sounds ridiculous, but I have a squirrel that plasters himself against my skylight almost every morning.
As soon as I turn on my bathroom light, I hear his little paws scurrying up the shingles of my roof. Then I look up to see him peering down into my private life.
This squirrel reminds me of many voyeurs in today’s society. People seem eager, even thirsty, to view the sensational lives of the latest celebrity or reality show “hero.”
I don’t understand the attraction. My crazy squirrel should be off somewhere gathering nuts and minding his own business instead of wasting his time watching me go about mine. Likewise, I don’t understand why people focus on the problems of others instead of working to repair their own.
We humans need to busy ourselves with productive lives. How much time do we all waste scrolling through media posts, watching reality shows, or crushing candy or some other mindless activity? Instead of focusing our attention downward upon the iniquities of life, we should turn our countenances upward.
As the songwriter penned, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
This songwriter encourages us to turn to Jesus when we are weary and troubled. However, too many people today add to their misery by focusing on the troubles of others. Like kibitzers, we find pleasure in the sport of viewing others’ troubles.
Happiness seems to be elusive to many people today. If we would turn our eyes and hearts toward Him, then our own lives would be fuller, richer, and happier. Providing acts of service to others might even bring us more of that happiness and fulfillment we all seek.
In Psalm 121: 1-2, King David says, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from which cometh my help.” (KJV) Here, he offers sage advice we should all, including the squirrel, heed.
In researching the habits of squirrels I discovered that squirrels are territorial creatures. I still don’t know what my crazy squirrel is thinking when he’s looking down into my skylight.
Is he staking his claim or just avoiding the realities of his own life by peering into mine? Either way, I think he and the rest of the world should try looking up.
