Rebecca Carpenter

     Sailing across the mirror like lake, a mother duck was quietly followed by her almost adult ducklings.  While each moved precisely behind her, they formed a straight line.  Although they were very close together, they did not push or bump into each other.  When she maneuvered a gentle turn around the island, as if attached by an invisible rope, they tracked her path.  The wake that flowed from their procession formed one continuous wave since they were so skillfully united.  There was no bickering or fighting to be first nor was there any lingering or complaining.  They all simply followed because they seemed to sense that she cared, that she was their protector, and that she was ultimately in charge.  What lessons we could learn for that little group of ducks!

            Loud yelling disturbed my devotional time as large blackbirds shouted at each other back and forth across the lake.  Two of them perched high at the top of a dead tree and were silhouetted against the clear, blue sky.  They drowned out the melodies and chirps of other more pleasant sounding birds.  They even covered the hum of cars on the nearby highway as their annoying racket produced an unwanted uproar.

            Suddenly, the tranquil mood was restored as the loudmouths departed.  Peacefulness returned as sweet melodies, soft chirps, and echoing tweets produced by hidden musicians filled the air.  A great white heron rounded the island and swooped to the shore near my patio.  What grace and beauty he displayed!  A mother duck took an early morning swim with her brood of brown ducklings.  Three ducks rose into the still air, flew in formation like a precision flying team, and zoomed out of sight.

            The stillness and splendor of the morning had briefly been destroyed because of the incessant yelling of a small group of birds.  People can be like that too as they yell and clamor to be heard.  Their desire for attention usually brings annoyance and avoidance instead of acceptance.  Soft answers and less boisterous methods generally receive more favorable results.  So often, people believe that loudness and continual talking gets positive results and establishes power: a customer belittling a store clerk, a parent screaming at a child, a boss railing against an employee, a teacher screeching at a student, a husband berating a wife, or a Christian condemning a non Christian.  

            The constant talkers are so busy lecturing that they take no time to listen.  Just as we should be sure to really listen to those around us, we should also take time to listen to God.  One sided conversations do not produce meaningful communication.

           The red numbers displayed 3:30 am. on the clock in the dark room.  After continuing to toss and turn, I finally got up at 5:30am gathered my Bible and devotional materials before silently tiptoeing out of the bedroom.  My husband turned over, but light snores told me that he had not awakened.

            After I settled down to do my devotions in the living room, I had trouble getting comfortable because of the aches in my back and numbness in my leg.  I could not recall doing anything that would have caused the problems so it was strange and unsettling.  My day was filled with activities, as well as, the entire week.  We were starting to pack for our trip to China.  I certainly did not have time to get sick which was not in my plans at all.

            After reading the story of Ruth, I knew that she had not planned to be a young widow and foreigner in her mother-in-law’s country.  However, God provided a new husband and child who became a descendant of David.  God’s plans were fulfilled in spite of the sad and unwelcome circumstances. 

            Then I thought of my friend who was going through treatment for breast cancer with unpleasant side effects.  Her husband had remained faithful and loving as he provided continuing encouragement.  How is God going to use their trials as part of His plan?

            Another friend has had numerous physical ailments while taking care of aging parents and a husband with medical problems.  Her love for God and hopefulness shine through as an encouragement for others.

            I remembered two ladies in Cuba who eagerly shared their limited food supply with us and offered hospitality in their sparse home.  Though their living conditions were difficult, their love for Jesus enabled them to be joyful and help others.

            I have seen people who have gone through trials and have become bitter and angry at the injustice.  They keep asking “Why me?”  Fortunately, there are many others who are so thankful that God is with them in their trials.  God uses their difficulties as they become true witnesses who share the Gospel.  My aches and lack of sleep seemed to be very insignificant as I thought of the lesson that I had learned. 

        One year old Emily was busily playing on the floor when I arrived so I joined her.  She would hand me small objects from her toy collection and give me an adorable smile when I thanked her.  We continued playing while I sat and talked to her mom, sister, and cousin.      

         Then I noticed that she had crawled over in front of me and stood up on her wobbly, little legs.  Her stance looked as though she was attempting to do the splits, but she did not lose her balance.  A doll was laying on the floor so I picked it up, put it on my shoulder, and patted its back.  After watching me, Emily leaned forward and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.  I held her and patted her neck while she just stood there.  No words were uttered because her one year old vocabulary was very limited.  She was not asking for anything or putting on a show.  She was just giving her love.

        How important it is to show love to children to encourage and nurture them.  The groundwork that parents provide is essential in producing stable, well rounded adults.  Because Emily had been given and shown love, she was able to imitate it and give it to me.  Her sweet spirit was priceless.

       She also reminded me of how important it is to be good examples to children and to the world with our words and our actions.  We are constantly being observed to see if we actually live what we proclaim.  Her special hugs revealed that words are often not necessary.  When we are not sure of the right words, hugs and our presence may be all that is needed.

           Sparkling, shimmering water greeted us as we opened the blinds at our lake cottage.  There are many fond memories of the weekends we spent there while I was growing up.  My brothers, cousins, and I were all drawn to the water whether we were wading, fishing, swimming, or boating. 

            The year that my parents purchased a motorboat was the year that I learned to ride behind it.  My dad had made a device of plywood that was rectangular, with a rope to hold onto for the rider, and another rope which was attached to the boat.   I summoned my courage to try it out, donned the life vest which made me appear neckless, and lay on the red board.  My dad told me to lie down on the board, get onto my knees, and then stand as the speed of the boat increased.  He had glued an old car mat at the back of the board for traction so I was to center myself on the mat.   It all sounded pretty easy to him, but since I was a 10 year old who was not a strong swimmer, it was rather scary to me.  When the boat began moving, I tried to remember everything I had been told and started to get to my knees.  The board wiggled wildly back and forth like a ship in a storm.  My legs just would not straighten to pull my body up so I fell into the dark, threatening waters of Beaver Dam Lake. 

            There was one crucial instruction that I had forgotten during my fall—to let go of the rope.  As I was drug through the water with thousands of bubbles passing before my eyes and gallons of water entering my lungs, I was sure that the end was near.  Finally, I released the rope and dangled in the murky water certain that I snake would devour me before my dad returned with the boat to rescue me. 

            As the boat neared, I was thrilled with the thought of climbing into the boat and returning to shore to swim peacefully.  Imagine my dismay when my dad told me that he wanted me to try again!  Was he trying to drown his only daughter and first born child? 

            “I do not want to!!” I cried.  Didn’t he realize how close I was to death?

            “Get a hold of the rope and try again,” he replied nonchalantly.

            “I want to get into the boat!” I exclaimed louder through more tears.

            “You need to do it again.  If you quit now, you won’t want to ever try again,” he answered.

            I was angry and still teary but knew that I had no choice since it was a long way to shore.  I reached the board, grabbed the rope, and lay on the board waiting for the boat to speed up.  I knew that I was not a quitter, and I would show him!  This time I did not struggle so much and let the boat pull me up. I rode the board like I had done it for years.  (At least I did not fall.)  If my dad had not forced me to continue, I would probably have done it at some point but would have missed the fun others were having before I summoned my courage to try again.

            Even though I did not like being pushed that day, I remembered that lesson at other times in my life when things got tough, and I wanted to quit.  I learned to do my best even in difficult circumstances.  There were many lessons that I learned from my dad which helped me throughout my life.  Those lessons have also helped me to learn and rely on my Heavenly Father.

          With the sun barely up, I sat quietly in the dim light watching the lake.  Subdued colors framed the dark water when I suddenly spotted a burst of bright color.  My favorite birds perched at the edge of the feeder.  The brilliant scarlet male cardinal then nestled in a bright green pine tree like a red bulb on a Christmas tree. 

            He was joined by his mate as they sat together, grabbed a bite to eat, and then quickly flew away.  I had always thought that the females should be more colorful, but when I watched her spread her wings, I caught glimpses of red amidst the golden brown.  She was not quite as plain as I had always believed.  When they stood on the pine with wings slightly spread, their colors blended, and I realized how perfectly they complemented each other.  God did not make a mistake in how they were colored.  It was all part of His plan for the male to distract predators while the female was less noticeable and thus offered protection for the young.  Each had a purpose as they worked together.

            That same principle applies to people.  It is easy to think that we should be the beautiful, talented, outgoing one who is the center of attention.  However, each person who is in the limelight needs a supporting cast to assist and encourage them.  Our roles may change according to specific circumstances and periods of our lives.  Wherever we have been placed, we need to do our job to the best of our ability to fulfill God’s plan.  We might be the teacher in front of the class or the custodian who cleans the room each day.  We might be the preacher in the pulpit or the usher at the door of the church.  We might be the doctor performing operations or the aide emptying bedpans.  We might be the dad at a job supporting his family or the mother who is home raising the children.  We might be leading a Christian crusade in a huge stadium or a missionary far from home sharing a Bible with a resident of a squatters’ camp.  The list could go on and on.  As we journey through life, we must recognize our specific roles, perform our duties willingly as though working for Jesus, and be prepared for the next important assignment.

          Drooping and forlorn.  The large, purple agapanthus certainly did not appear to be the same majestic flower that I observed yesterday.  Drops of water clung to heavy petals.  The weight pulled the blooms down into a dejected form.  As rain hit the flower, it nodded slightly unable to even lift its head. 

            The composition of the flower had not changed, but its circumstances had produced a totally different image.  Because of a recent drought, the rain was vital to the flower’s continued growth and health.  Even though the outward appearance was dismal, the roots were drawing water into the plant which would later rejuvenate and increase its strength for whatever the future holds-increased drought, intense heat, or harmful insects.  A healthy plant can withstand unfavorable conditions better than a weak, dry plant.  When the rain stops, the drops will evaporate, and the bloom will again be bright, dazzling, full of life, and prepared for the next challenge.

            We often become dry like the flowers and need to be filled and rejuvenated.  When the rains come, we may appear forlorn, droopy, and dejected while God is filling us with His Spirit during our trying situations.  Just as my flower could not survive with only sunshine, our lives would not be sustained without the rain.  Difficult times can make us stronger and shape us so that we can follow God’s plan for our lives if we rely on Him.