How to Cast an Animal Track
As I made my way through the freshly fallen snow, there was evidence I wasn’t the first one who’d taken this path today. Animal tracks of various critters were all over the place, and as my fascination with them began years ago—it resurrected anew. How did my fascination begin? In grade school we were required to have a Science Fair project.
Little did I know the topic chosen would impact me for the rest of my life. It’s been subtle, but it’s there none-the-less.
What did I choose for my project? The title of the project was, “How to Cast an Animal Track.” No doubt I found it in the pages of a Science Fair idea book somewhere, so I followed the directions. First up I had to purchase some Plaster of Paris that needed mixing. Next, I found an animal print or two around the neighborhood, put the cement like stuff right into the imprint and let it harden. Once removed, I could see the molded print within the plaster and lo and behold— I had cast an animal track.
Today, as I noted the various tracks in the snow, it brought back memories of this science project. The difference was that the tracks today were not only numerous, but the species of them varied. Before me were tracks of deer, turkey, and squirrel. Once home, the traffic jam of animal tracks upon the deck caught my attention and just as I was admiring them, a little gray squirrel put its tiny paws upon the window leaving its prints upon it.
There’s calm in the out-ofdoors. There’s a stillness ebbing and flowing within nature. Whether it’s taking an intentional walk, hike, or bike in the landscapes—it offers escape and gives us not only perspective, but a deeper appreciation of life nearer to us than we are often aware.
My farmer has always known this. In fact, every farmer I know takes care of that which has been entrusted to them whether it’s animals or land. I have respect for farmers because they have respect for what they tend. The animals they track is done with reverence and ultimately for others—always the other.
Me? I walk and appreciate the animal tracks as I listen to surround sounds in the woods and admire the up and down the driveway. As I enjoyed all this in my neck of the woods, I was reminded of how God tracks and how He asks us to cast.
• “Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
• “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
• “Row out to the deep and cast your nets. You will have a great catch” (Luke 5:4-11).
Tracking is one thing, casting another. Yet, when put together, it makes possible what will happen. “You will have a great catch.” Why? “He cares for you.” Why? “His love is perfect.” Amen.
