They don’t really say that, you know. Roadrunners are one of my heroes out here in Critter World, so I’m well aware of their sounds and ‘beep, beep’ isn’t one of them. Actually, there’s nothing even close to that, emitting from their tall, sleek-but-gangly, frames.

What’s that? Why’s the roadrunner my hero? Well, they eat all the things I hate, like scorpions, tarantulas, snakes, small rodents, etc. They’re fun to watch whizzing by on the property, looking through the back windows, or stopping for a drink out of the pool. They mate for life; I love that part. Also, did I mention they eat all the things I hate?

The other day, there was a pair around a clump of trees and brush, which I suspect is what they call home. All of a sudden, a third bird came out of nowhere and rounded the base of that tree clump with great speed and ferocity, headed straight for the one I think is the female (really hard to tell). The male spun around, crest up, tail feathers up and out, and with a fierceness yet displayed, even when killing prey, lit into that other bird. They went at it for probably a full minute, and finally the intruder, injured, fled.

I think we all would fight that hard for those we love. We would defend our homes, and our jobs. I think, too, that causes near and dear to us find us raising our voices, and standing in fierce defense. But are we fighting and defending the one thing that drives the person we are and whose health is the part of the very foundation of all those things most important to us?

Ours hearts. Are we guarding them?

Trust me when I tell you that there is ALWAYS evil prowling around it, looking for a weak spot in the fence, or the one moment when you’re not looking. Then it swoops in for the kill. I’m thankful that we have the Ultimate Weapon – “the sword of the Spirit” – to use in our defense, but you can’t use a weapon if you don’t have it in hand and you’re caught off guard. Certainly something to consider.

I love to think of the enemy fleeing me, after a bold fight, limping away, tending his wounds. Bravo, Mr. Road Runner. Well-played.

Once again, my hero.

“Guard your heart above all else,  for it determines the course of your life.” Proverb 4:23 NLT

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 NLT

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up.” 1 Peter 5:8 MSG (same verse, different translation)

“God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word.” Hebrews 4:12 MSG

“…take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance…” Ephesians 6:17-18 ESV