Little Foxes That Ruin the Vineyard

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom. (Song of Solomon 2:15, ESV). Winter is winding down and spring is but a few weeks away. All around us we will soon seen the new beginnings of nature. As human beings, we delight in the prospect of a new beginning, a new chance, redemption, and a clean slate. Our very language is full of expressions of starting over. I wonder how many of us began the year with high hopes and long lists of resolutions, but will end the year with the disappointment of realizing that we have once again failed to keep our commitments? I would like to provide a simple suggestion that may help each of us to keep the commitments that we make. The suggestion is this: START SMALL, BUT START! Our reading this morning reminds us that it is the little foxes that spoil the vineyards. So often we are held captive to the urgent and miss the eternally important. I know that is true for me. My commitment is to focus on the little things that are vital to achieving my large goals. There are two dangers to avoid. Some people begin with resolutions that are too ambitious and unrealistic to be accomplished. Others have realistic expectations and appropriate goals; however, they simply never begin the process. For example, instead of resolving to conquer all known sin in our lives, why not address the one sin that has plagued you for years. Instead of committing to prayer generally, why not start a prayer list. Instead of committing to read more of the Scriptures this year, why not purchase "The Daily Bible" or "The One Year Bible" and read the specified portion each day. Start small, but start. Think of one thing each day that you can specifically thank God for. Tell one person each day this year that they are loved and important to both God and yourself. Commit to one act of kindness each day, whether anyone else is kind to you or not. The “little foxes that ruin the vineyard” – they are those failures that paralyze us and convince us to quit. Start small, but start, and keep going even in the face of failure. Review the principle one more time: Never let past failure or future fear rob you of present joy! Keep those little foxes out of your vineyard and watch how lush the fruit is as it grows unhindered.