Guarding the Vineyard: Chasing Away the Little Foxes
Well, that is another Valentine’s Day successfully navigated—no awkward last-minute trips to the supermarket. I remembered the card and everything! Now I just need to remember our dating anniversary, our wedding anniversary, and, of course, Jen’s birthday. These may seem like little things, but they are incredibly important. Relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, need careful tending. Relationships, like vineyards, flourish when nurtured with care but can be easily damaged by small, creeping threats. There is a story in the bible about foxes that do just that in Song of Songs we read, “Catch the foxes for us—the little foxes that ruin the vineyards—for our vineyards are in bloom.” This poetic but unexpected caution serves as a profound metaphor for the small issues that, left unchecked, can erode even the strongest bonds.
Often, it’s not grand betrayals or dramatic conflicts that cause relationships to wither, but the accumulation of minor slights, criticisms, and neglect. A little gossip, a little ingratitude, a little lack of attention—these things can seem insignificant on their own, but over time, they undermine trust and affection. The little foxes sneak in through our words, our actions, and even our silence. Criticism can creep into our conversations so easily. A casual remark about a spouse’s forgetfulness, a co-worker’s inefficiency, or a friend’s habits—when repeated, these comments chip away at the foundation of respect and appreciation. Similarly, gossip, though often disguised as harmless discussion, can sow discord and create unnecessary divisions. In today's digital world, social media often amplifies negativity, making it even easier for small grievances to spiral into division.
The enemy of relationships isn’t always hatred; often, it’s complacency. If we are not careful, the little foxes of neglect, resentment, and selfishness can slip in unnoticed. But just as Song of Solomon calls us to catch these foxes, we are called to actively protect our relationships. To protect our relationships and ourselves, we must be vigilant. We must identify where negativity takes root and make a conscious effort to replace it with proactive behaviours and actions. As 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us, love is patient, kind, and does not keep a record of wrongs. It requires deliberate action—choosing kindness over criticism, gratitude over entitlement, and connection over isolation.
Practicing love in everyday life means watching our words and ensuring they build up rather than tear down. It means making time for those we care about, even when life is busy. It means noticing and appreciating the little things—a thoughtful gesture, a shared laugh, a moment of support. These acts of love strengthen relationships and prevent small grievances from festering into larger issues.
I wonder what the effect on our families, friendships, and communities would be if we were intentional about cultivating positive relationships. Let’s chase away the little foxes by speaking life, extending grace, and showing appreciation. In doing so, we allow love to flourish, creating relationships that are resilient, joyful, and protected.
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First be you
Throughout January, I couldn’t help but notice the increased number of cars parked outside the local Gyms and the number of people out for a run, jog or walk. As the New Year fades so do the numbers.
The cold weather and busy lifestyles often get in the way of those “New Year, New Me” resolutions. Changing ourselves is something many of us want to do, but let’s be honest—it takes effort, and it doesn’t always work out when we’re trying to be someone we’re not.
A lot of us look up to others and try to emulate them—celebrities, successful people, or the latest influencer. It’s natural! Admiration, societal pressure, or the hope of achieving the same kind of greater success can lead us to copy their style, habits, or career paths. Social media and glossy magazines don’t help—they present perfect, polished lives that make it easy to compare and feel like we’re falling short.
Even within our families, siblings can set the bar high. Their achievements—whether in school, work, or social circles—can inspire us, or create a sense of pressure that leaves us feeling like we’re not enough.
Here’s the thing though, while looking up to others can be motivating, it’s easy to lose sight of what makes you amazing. Whether you believe in a creator God or simply in the wonder of nature. Take a few moments to reflect. Your body, mind, personality and dreams are unique, complex and miraculous, or as the psalmist phrases it, ‘you are fearfully and wonderfully made’
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“Fearfully” doesn’t mean your scary! The Hebrew word, it is translated from means you have been crafted with great respect, honour, and care. “wonderfully” means you have been created in a marvellous, distinct and one-of-a-kind way.
So yes, it’s great to want to lose a few pounds, get fitter, learn a new skill, or land that dream job. But don’t try copying or imitating someone else’s life; do it as you—the unique, incredible person God made you to be. You’re amazing just as you are.
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