Seeking things above
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Welcome!  I pray the words I write will encourage reflection within and deeper study of the Word of God, which is able to build us up, equipping us to be victorious as we journey through this earthly life.
 May we all earnestly seek the things above, not the things of this world. 

Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3: 1-2

The last duckling

5/18/2013

7 Comments

 
Picture
I was out for a walk-run yesterday, and had just barely left my house when I saw a mother duck and 10 little ducklings crossing the road. As I saw traffic coming, I went to the middle of the road stopping traffic so the ducklings could cross safely. As they reached the other side, I watched them one by one jump up the curb which was twice their height. Seven ducklings jumped right up, making it seem effortless. The next two had to take a few jumps. 


        And then there was the last little duckling. 

From my perspective he did not seem smaller than the others. But he tried several times, and just could not jump the curb. He moved a few inches to a new location, again without success. He moved again and tried again with the same result, no success. He began to let out a distress chirp. Mama duckling stopped, cocked her head, but did not go back. She sounded back to the last duckling, and then just stood still, patiently waiting on the last duckling. He tried one more time, almost making it. At this point I wanted to go rescue him, but I didn’t, as it was apparent he was not giving up. He gave it one more try, and he made it! I was so proud of that little duckling! 

I began to wonder if that is what it  is like for God as He looks at us. Some of us, with seeming little effort grow and flourish spiritually. We jump curbs effortlessly. And then, there are those of us that struggle. Those for whom spiritual things do not come easy. But they don’t give up. Though sometimes their brothers and sisters in Christ want to give up on them, judge them, showing impatience for their seeming lack of growth. 

  Yesterday, I was so happy and proud of the last duckling who just wouldn’t give up.  I wonder if God isn’t prouder of the ‘weaker’ Christian. The one who loves Him, and wants to follow Him, but has internal struggles that the seemingly ‘stronger’ Christian doesn’t.  Would the seemingly ‘stronger’ Christian given the struggles his perceived ‘weaker’ brother has, have the tenacity to keep trying?  I don’t know.  But I hope we all have the tenacity of the last duckling.

I pray often to be able to see through God’s eyes, through His perspective. And He gave me a tiny glimpse of that yesterday, when I saw the ducklings.


Ephesians  4: 1-2
I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, showing all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love.


7 Comments
Karen
6/13/2013 10:12:30 am

Karen
May 19, 2013 at 4:10 am (Edit)
Thanks for sharing that perspective! it is impossible to know what any of us would do if we had someone else’s struggles. And only God knows what some of us are going through. None of us can jump the curb for another of God’s ducklings. We can only offer encouragement and help others to know that they are not alone in their struggle.

Reply
Meg
6/13/2013 10:13:15 am

Megan
May 19, 2013 at 4:53 am (Edit)
What a neat way for a prayer to be answered:)

Reply
singinglikearobin
6/13/2013 10:14:03 am

singinglikearobin
May 20, 2013 at 4:49 am (Edit)
You are an answered prayer to me Meg. Always.

Reply
Michelle
6/13/2013 10:14:44 am

Michelle Smith
May 19, 2013 at 5:06 am (Edit)
What a great analogy Mrs. Clifton!

Reply
Stacy
6/13/2013 10:15:25 am

honoredwife
May 22, 2013 at 9:28 pm (Edit)
Great analogy! It is so hard to watch our children, friends, and fellow Christians struggling but we can’t do things for them. I can’t imagine how difficult it is for our Father to watch us while we struggle as well.

Reply
michelle
6/13/2013 10:16:07 am

singinglikearobin
May 22, 2013 at 10:12 pm (Edit)
I appreciate the comment. I think the lesson for me is one of compassion and patience. God is certainly ever so patient with me.
Hope you’ll keep reading. I hope to post more encouraging thoughts. Onward…

Reply
motorcycle fairings
6/13/2013 10:16:45 am

motorcycle fairings
May 25, 2013 at 9:08 pm (Edit)
i love your post

Reply



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