“What a pleasure to have such gentle and beautiful creatures grace my yard with their presence,” I thought all last week.

This week, however, it is hens at war. The hens experienced their first attack- air bound predators- and fled for safety. Rats are raiding the hens’ food and deterring the hens from eating. The cold is weighing in heavier each day.

My pen has insufficient air cover. I was distracted by the glittering, glowing Van Gogh-like world we experienced last week. Add secure hen pen again to my long list of things to do: “Priority.”

If Copper was alive, she would chase rat most aggressively and it would NOT come back. Chip the Chipmunk learned quickly not to cross Copper.

I see value in Chip, the chipmunk. Chip is diligent about his work, a good example for us all. Chip chewed through the so-called “chicken security wire” reminding us to “test” everything we hear and not to accept claims at face value. Claims like: “Chicken security wire.”

Squirrels are orderly and ambitious, gleaning the ground of pine-cones every fall, reminding me to prepare for winter. They are expert and humble neighbors. In SHTF episodes, squirrels don’t knock at your door begging supplies. In fact, I suppose most squirrels are better prepared for a disaster than most human beings.

Rat has no value that I can see. It looks like a cross between a squirrel and a mouse. Not cute like a mouse, nor ambitious like a squirrel. Not friendly like Chip.

My internet search of rats turned up a freaky fact about flexible skulls, that can squeeze through tiny spaces. A runty, slithering, shapeshifting creature scaring my hens and stealing their food. My gentle hens shrivel at the sight of it! I am not judging. My select choice of adjectives alone is giving me the creeps. God help me if rat was eating my dinner!

So to encourage myself, I go to my list of sources:

What would Copper do? Get about getting rid of that rat. No question. It is my duty.

What does Pericles say? We do the difficult with the end goal of what we love in mind. (Of course, he sounded much more impressive and Greek- statesman-like than I do.)

Marcus Aurelius says: The obstacle is the way! We prove ourselves and our capabilities by NOT shrinking in the struggle of life, but rising to the occasion.

Winston Churchill viewed defending England in WWII with Emperor- like determination and courage. A willful, obstinate refusal to except defeat or failure for his people.

Neuroscientist, Dr. Caroline Leaf, says a brain is like a supercomputer. When you decide to accomplish a task, it goes about finding solutions to the problem. With your words you can “turn on” or “turn off” your brain’s awesome capacity she says. If I say: “This is too hard, I can’t do this!” Brain takes the day off.

SO, I have to say: the rubbery skulled, ugly thieves don’t stand a chance. If I have an inner Copper, an inner Pericles, inner Marcus Aurelius, I must have an inner Winston Churchill, too.

It occurred to me I have an inner Jesus, as well. Perhaps in future I may just go to the top for my example. Start there. (He being the embodiment of every virtue, all courageous acts, all-wise, all-merciful, kind.) Yes, I’ll start at the top next time. You can’t underestimate yourself when you have an inner Jesus!

Rats: Behold your Lord!!