Unprotected?

Just before we went off to Pembrokeshire, I harvested the first blackcurrants from our one blackcurrant bush. The remaining currants were not ripe, and I reckoned that they would ripen while we were away, and be ready for picking on our return.
How wrong I was!
On our return, there was not a blackcurrant to be seen. The birds had had a good time doing the harvesting for me. It was easy for them, because the bush was completely unprotected, and the birds were hungry.
One reflection is that the birds have saved me a job, and so saved me some time. 'Thank you, birds!'
But the other reflection is that it is risky to be unprotected in our spiritual lives.
St. Peter told his friends, facing tough times, 'Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.' (1 Peter 5.8,9a)
St. Paul teaches us how to be protected. 'Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' (Ephesians 6.11-12)
Each of us, today, will face attacks from our enemy, the devil. He will not come to us with horns and a tail, but in and through the events around us and our thoughts within. But Jesus will protect us, as we keep close to Him. He is our defender and protector, as we keep close.
In order to protect  my remaining fruit bushes, I have deployed some nets, which might be effective. We shall see!
Best wishes,
Richard