Ah, New Years. A time for reflection and… beavers. As the not-so-proud owner of a farm with an eight-year-and-counting beaver infestation, I’ve learned to look for wisdom in unexpected places. I’ve had plenty of time to consider what these industrious little crittersare painfully teaching us, not just about gnawing every tree on my property, but about surviving in the changing world of generosity.
Beavers don’t give up. Ever. Over the past eight years, I’ve tried everything to outsmart these aquatic engineers: Beaver Deceivers (look them up), destroying their precious dams, polite eviction notices written in Beaver... Every time I think I’ve won, they’re back—stronger and more determined than ever. I mean this sincerely—I am motivated by their work ethic. They don’t stop and neither can we in our vital work. Sometimes our best laid plans fail, campaigns fall short, or the economy challenges us. But like the beavers, we keep showing up, adapting, and finding new ways to build or rebuild the dams and do the work that supports our ministries.
Beavers work in teams. Have you ever watched a pair of beavers in action? They’re the ultimate collaborative team. Each beaver has a role, and together they transform your farm into their personal water park. Like them, our work is never a solo act. It takes a connected team who are co-committed, who love the work and each other—a team of dreamers, strategists, ministry leaders, (and donors) all working together to achieve something great.
Beavers don’t just slap together a pile of sticks and hope for the best. Their dams are designed to create the perfect environment for survival. Likewise, our work requires intentionality. No phoning it in, no rinse and repeat. When we do our work with care, it’s more likely to excite the hearts of people and invite them into long-term partnership in the work.
Beavers are overcomers. I’ve thrown every obstacle imaginable at my beaver nemeses. They’ve overcome all of them. To them, overcoming challenges is part of the process and they adapt without missing a beat. From digital privacy laws to donor fatigue to postal strikes, obstacles abound. But like the beavers, we’re called to innovate and persevere. After all, where there’s a will (and a little creative gnawing), there’s a way.
Beavers change their world. Love them or loathe them (and trust me, I’m firmly in the latter camp), beavers leave an undeniable impact on their environment. Their hard work creates habitats that benefit countless other species. Isn’t that what our work is all about? Through our efforts, we’re actually helping, actually seeing the world change for the better, leaving a legacy of changed lives and transformed communities—a reflection of God’s love in action.
As I write this, the beavers are undoubtedly hard at work. And while their determination drives me crazy, it also reminds me of the incredible opportunity we have in and through our work. As you tally up your year-end giving and begin bravely facing a new year of fundraising ahead, take a moment to channel your inner beaver. Build with purpose, collaborate with your team, and face every challenge with faith and grit.
Who knows? You might just outsmart the obstacles (or the beavers) in your path.
Hold Fast,
Bryan
