So how many of you are ready to sign on as Noah’s helpers? Can you imagine being Noah and saying “Yes, Lord” to a job that involved building an architectural wonder large enough to house an immense floating zoo? Granted, God blessed Noah’s efforts, but think of what a nutcake Noah must have looked like to his neighbors?

Who in their right mind would be willing to shut themselves up in a boat with two of every kind of creature — with a few family members to boot — and spend 40 dreary, muggy, rainy days feeding and cleaning up after (phew!) cooped-up, anxious, irritable critters? A man who walks with God, that’s who.

While we aren’t all called to be animal keepers, we can still follow in Noah’s footsteps. He was obedient, trustworthy and hard working, a man of strong faith and conviction. He must have been pretty laid-back, thick-skinned and blessed with a remarkable sense of humor, as well.

While our forte may not involve caring for critters, we all play roles in life in which we are “keepers.” We keep each other in our prayers; we keep confidences and vows. When life is hard, we keep on keeping-on. We are peacekeepers in our families and at work. We’re taught to keep off the grass, keep out of trouble and keep our mouths shut (when chewing, or on the off chance of saying something we shouldn’t). We also KISS (“keep it simple, stupid”).

Most importantly, many of us are also keepers of children, as parents, grandparents, guardians, Sunday school teachers, scout leaders, advocates, coaches ...

And, yes, some of us even keep stray felines.

How will you follow Noah’s example and be a better “keeper” this week?

Linda Teeple’s column runs Saturdays. Teeple, an Anderson resident, can be reached at lindyteep@yahoo.com.