As we continue to immerse ourselves in learning more about God through understanding God’s good creation this summer at Camp, we’ll be exploring our theme, “Animal Kin-dom,” and reflecting on our interconnectedness with the animals that live in this place. We’ll be learning about interdependence within ecosystems and considering how God’s vision of shalom is all-encompassing, calling us to be in right-relationship with all of creation. We’ll be remembering that all creatures are made by God, in God’s image, and called “good.”
I confess, it’s much easier for me to see the face of God in a furry little fox pup than it is in the face of a deer tick. Say whaaat?! Yes. How is God calling me to live in right-relationship with the deer ticks this year? How do I balance the idea of shalom and my own personal well being as an animal on this planet that also has specific needs (to maintain my health and my family’s health by not getting tick-borne illnesses)?
Ticks aren’t innately bad. Conversely, God created them good, pathogen-free at birth, and they do play a role in the ecosystems they inhabit. This can include being a part of the food web in that smaller birds, reptiles, mammals, and other animals may eat them. Additionally, as a disease vector, they can have a limiting impact on deer populations. They are living their lives doing what God created them to do and they are so successful at it!
So, how do I restore shalom with the ticks? As with most things in life, I don’t claim to have solid answers but it drives me to ask more questions and learn much in the process. Generally what appears to be the problem on the surface can have more complex causes and solutions if one digs a little deeper. I’ve come to conclude that the abundance of ticks is a symptom of a system out of balance with many potential causes.
Climate change is a major underlying factor. Having warmer winters more frequently with higher overall humidity is causing their range and the populations of ticks to increase unchecked. Loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, and plentiful acorn crops also compound the problem. Take away robust forest ecosystems that can support the predators to keep the white-footed mouse (this is where ticks contract the disease causing pathogens) population in check, combined with the abundant food supply in the acorns, and it’s a recipe for success on the part of the ticks.
Going forward, maybe the ticks can be yet another wake up call to action and help me/us strengthen the resolve to commit to acting in more sustainable ways in our home places. This is but one example. I encourage you to consider an animal relevant to you in your place and to contemplate the invitation from this messenger as a being created in the image of God. I look forward to hearing about how your experience shifts your perspective!
Helpful links:
https://www.nps.gov/articles/species-spotlight-deer-tick.htm
From MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Service): Michigan Climate and Health Adaptation Program