Lessons I have Learned from Giraffes

It's no secret that the Giraffe is my favorite animal.  My family is very aware of this fact and often tease me about my affinity for the tall, awkward looking animals.  My son also likes Giraffes and has done more than one report on Giraffes in school so I have learned quite a bit about them through him and the more I learn, the more I like them.  Here are some lessons that have gripped me recently about Giraffes and why I think we should be more like them 😉:

1.  I just learned that Giraffes have the largest heart of any land mammal on the planet.   I know this refers to size but when it comes to my spiritual life, I want to grow my heart to be as large as a Giraffe's - I want to be known as someone who is so full of the love of Christ that love pours out of me onto everyone around me!

2. Giraffes are social and gentle but they are not easily taken down by predators.  They have powerful legs that can kill a lion with 1 kick!  Because of this, lions and other predators generally leave them alone.  I want to have this kind of spiritual life - gentle, social and yet strong and able to easily fight off an enemy attack.  I want to be so strong in my faith that the enemy is afraid to attack me.

3.  A group of Giraffes is called a Tower.  When they sense danger, they gather together in a Tower and are safe.  This reminds me that the Lord is a strong tower that I can run to for safety.

4.  Giraffes have the vocal chords to be able to make noises but they rarely choose to do so.  And at night, they hum to eachother.   I want to be the kind of Christian who speaks less and listens more - and who hums throughout the day because I have a song in my heart.

5.  Giraffes have excellent eyesight and can see a predator approaching long before the other animals nearby.  Their behavior often alerts other animals and can save them from danger.  I want to have the spiritual vision and the discernment to recognize a dangerous situation and warn others before they fall into a potential trap.

6.  Each Giraffe has a unique pattern of "spots" that help them identify one another.   And there are differences in the patterns between Giraffes in different regions so it's possible to tell where a particular Giraffe came from.  But to us, they all look like Giraffes - there is nothing that stands out that makes them look obviously distinct from one another.  Such should it be within the church body.  We are all different - with differing gifts, talents and abilities.   But people should be able to look at us and know we are Christians.  A church in Africa should resemble a church in Papua New Guinea or a church in Ecuador or a church in Singapore,  Hong Kong, Mexico, Ireland, Canada or the United States of America.  We should appear to the world as people who belong to Christ.

7.  Giraffes are goofy, awkward looking animals in a lot of ways.  But they aren't bothered by what others think about them.  I am goofy and awkward too.  I limp around, trip often, struggle to communicate verbally frequently,  etc.  But I should not be concerned with what others might think or how they might judge me.  God made Giraffes and God made me.  He is my ultimate judge so if I live to please and serve Him, human judgment is invalid and worthless. 

In conclusion,  I want to have a huge heart, and to be loving. gentle, social and strong.  I want to listen more and talk less with a song in my heart always.  I want the ability to see danger coming and warn others.  I want to be identifiable as a Christian and rest in the knowledge that I have a tower to run to for safety.  I want to be my unique self, adding value to the church but not concerned about the harsh judgment of others if I am following the leading of the Lord.  

In short - I want to be more Giraffe-like!😃🦒