Acorns of Wisdom

Acorns of Wisdom... PLOP! Emma sat down in the grass just in time to spot a squirrel zooming across the yard like a furry rocket. Its cheeks were stuffed so full of acorns that Emma burst into laughter.

POP—KA-BOOM! “Acorn fireworks! That squirrel looks like it’s about to explode,” she giggled.

Beside her, “Me-oww!” Cleo, the kitten, crouched low, eyes locked on the squirrel. Her tail swished back and forth like a windshield wiper. She was ready to pounce.

“Wait, Cleo!” Emma whispered. “He’s been working like crazy, carrying acorns all day. He’s not just playing. He’s getting ready for the cold winter ahead.”

A Bible verse popped into Emma’s mind: “Go watch the ants, you lazy person. Watch what they do and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6).

“God made animals to be like little teachers,” Emma said. “Ants work. Squirrels work. Even bees work! They remind us not to be lazy, but to do our best.”

Just then—pounce! Cleo launched herself into the air like a jack-in-the-box. But the squirrel zipped straight up the tree, flicking its tail as if to say, Nice try, kitty!

Emma doubled over, laughing. “Silly Cleo! That squirrel is too smart for you. He’s been preparing all summer long. He’s got piles of acorns tucked away. That’s why he’s not worried—he’s ready for what’s coming.”

Cleo plopped beside her. “Hmph! Guess I’ll just practice purring.”

She scratched behind Cleo’s ears and thought for a second. “God doesn’t want us to gather acorns, but He does want us to work hard—like setting the table, picking up toys, or helping a friend. Even little things matter to Him.”

Cleo gave a happy purr and curled up in Emma’s lap. Emma looked up at the squirrel disappearing high into the tree.

“Thanks, God,” she whispered. “You give us animals to show us how to live wisely. I want to be a hard worker, just like that squirrel. I want to do my best for You!”

Family Activity: Acorn Collection Challenge-Go on a short walk outside with your child. Look for acorns, pinecones, or small leaves. Collect a few treasures together, just like the squirrel in the devotion gathers acorns. As you gather each item, talk about something your child can “work on” this week—helping a sibling, feeding a pet, picking up toys, or sharing a treat. Remind your child that, just like the squirrel prepares for winter, we prepare and work hard for the things God wants us to do.

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Melanie Mills is a children’s picture book writer who writes heartwarming stories sprinkled with giggles, grace, and the goodness of God’s love. Her deepest desire is that her words plant seeds of faith in children’s hearts, helping them grow strong in His truth, while bonding families in the roots of God’s Word. When she’s not weaving words, Melanie is found laughing and enjoying the little moments of life with her family—three sons, beloved daughters-in-love, and granddaughter—diving into Scripture, chasing horizons on road trips, and spending time with her beagle pup, Fudgie.