In the first 2 chapters of his novel, A Wolf Story, author James Bryon Huggins paints a word picture of intrigue and truth. Old King Saul, king of a colony of rabbits, stands guard on a lonely ledge at the edge of a great forest. Below him, surrounded by rocks and fallen limbs of great trees, two young mischievous rabbits chase and taunt each other oblivious of the danger that constantly stalks in the dark woods. Old king Saul’s keen senses warn him of impending danger, but he can see nothing. Has age dulled his senses? Is he chasing imaginary shadows of danger? If he shouts an alarm that proves to be false, will he be mocked and removed as king?

Suddenly he feels the strong, comforting presence of his old friend, Windgate, bounding up the rocky trail to stand by him. King Saul tells his friend of the danger he feels but cannot see. Wingdate’s young powerful eyes join Saul’s old, tired eyes as they search the growing shadows as night approaches. The two young bunnies chase each other closer to the edge of the forest. Suddenly King Saul lets out a cry for all to take cover and races off the ledge to attack and distract the huge, black wolf that leaps from the shadows toward the 2 unsuspecting bunnies. Their games suddenly interrupted, the young bunnies desperately search for a place to hide.

The anger of the wolf is now directed at King Saul. He takes a deadly swipe at the old king, knocking him to the ground. As his eyes clear, King Saul looks up into the evil eyes and deadly fangs of the attacking wolf.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, the furry fury of Windgate slams into the wolf, knocking him off King Saul. In rage, the wolf leaps after the clever Windgate. All are safe!

As parents, we are responsible to stand guard over our children so they can enjoy the fun of youth. Our responsibility is lonely but vital. We are to sense danger that we cannot see and call an alarm – even when we are mocked. Mothers and fathers are to stand together – both eyes and ears attentive to impending dangers. Our children need to have confidence that we are protecting them and that they have a safe refuge at home. We are to fearlessly attack danger that is stronger than us. We are to use cunning and strength. Let’s shamelessly stand guard over our families this week.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.