Skunk in a Bottle

By Mirna Sotomayor

Not too long ago, arriving at Camp Kikomar (Caribbean coast of Mexico), we saw quite a commotion.  A little skunk had his head stuck in a glass jar.  It was unclear how long the poor animal had been stuck there, but what was clear is that he was Exhausted.  Terrified by all the people around and the dogs trying to kill him, it was a miracle he could still breathe.

"We need to break the bottle with stones", someone said, fortunately there were no stones available.  “Someone could pull on the bottle while another grabs the skunk.” supposed another.  But the threat of nearly inch-long claws and the sprinkling of the famous urine were very persuasive factors for not trying.  Suffice it to say that all these "helpful suggestions" were being offered at a safe distance.  No one wanted to run the risk of being too involved.

It occurred to me what we needed was to throw a heavy rag or plastic over the animal to protect us from his "scented" defenses and the claws.  With a long pole maybe we could get him out from under the leaves where he was and perhaps twist the bottle off.  The stick did not work, because in our eagerness to help and his fear of being attacked, it was clear this would end up breaking his neck.

So I tried to throw a shower curtain over him where he was, but it was useless, the animal escaped putting his rear guard in attack position.  Suddenly one of those present said, “What if I hit the bottle with the back of the machete?”  It was a risk, but it was better than to let him die with his head in the bottle. Waiting for the right moment I gave the order.  “Hit it now!”  A thud broke the bottle cleanly and the little skunk fell like a dead animal on its right side.  It took about 10 seconds before he started moving, obviously dazed but relieved. We gave him space to move, dizzy, he was stumbling, falling, rising, and staggering as he walked back down the path into the jungle.  

Everyone thanked God and was glad that the skunk had not suffocated, and we hadn't seriously hurt the animal nor did we have to end his life.  

How many times, I thought, are we like that skunk; we get ourselves into situations that “suffocate” us.  We get so "bottled up" that we almost kill ourselves.  Even though God wants to help and sends us people, suggestions, ideas, but instead of cooperating with Him and with those that love us, we get defensive and do not see the danger until God himself intervenes and gives us an accurate blow to free us from our prison.  It may not be a gentle blow, but one that is precise, accurate, experienced and safe.  Of course it will hurt, and sometimes we will think that we will almost "die".  We will walk around half dizzy and without a very clear direction for a while, but in the end, with God's help and care, will find the way home.  Yes, the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword and God, in His infinite love and mercy, always comes to rescue us even though we continually get "bottled up" like little skunks.