Earthworm

 Walking along with the dog, I saw a plump, long, and quite mature earthworm working its way across the concrete driveway. It was at a standstill, whether in fear of me and my canine friend, or simply wearing out, I do not know. My first instinct was to reach down and grab it and place it in the moist grass. And then, I wondered. How many people stop to save an earthworm?

I do. One might ask me why I would do this. It's simple really. As a gardener, I know the value of a beautifully matured earthworm such as this one I moved. It will aerate and fertilize the ground. It may even produce more earthworms to continue its essential work in my yard and garden.

Then there is also the simple case of seeing such a life-filled being facing the dangers of drought or the demise of being eaten by one of the many birds hanging out nearby. That worm would not stand a chance against those birds without being able to tunnel its way into the safety of the earth.

It knew this, I'm sure, because as I reached my hand out to it and touched it ever so slightly, it began rolling itself into strange shapes and angles, wriggling about. It did not know that my intentions were pure, and that I was only acting on its behalf.

I think about this worm and what I may have in common with it. I wonder about the times the Lord has reached down and moved me, whether physically,  mentally or spiritually. I know there have been sudden changes in my life where I, too, have wriggled about in an attempt to free myself of sudden shifts in mind or life. In these times, it's not always easy or enjoyable; however, more often than not, I find that I land upon soil that offers new opportunities that I otherwise would not have experienced.

I wonder about that worm. Did I return it from whence it came, or did I help it advance forward to where it was heading? Does it matter? Is it possible that the worm will simply make the best of its new situation, learning to adapt to its environment? Will it become an active member of its new community, or will it return to the pavement and the perils that lay ahead there?

And my response?