Our Journeys...

Our Journeys...5-2-25

Our Journeys...5-2-25

My friend's daughter purchased some ducks for her daughter for Easter. Now, there was a dual purpose in these ducks: Easter and their pond. They have a small pond on their property, and the ducks will make a great addition to the environment and their enjoyment. They are well cared for with food, water, a cage, lots of loving and acclimation time outside of the cage to wander with supervision. They are becoming accustomed to the dogs and have even found that some kisses (licks) are not so bad. The dogs have also become accustomed to them and even have begun to ignore their presence. The first picture is of the four ducks. The second image displays a journey that one duck will face. You see, this duck's legs have begun to turn inward. He is still mobile, but doesn't have the strength in his legs to stand upright and walk without having to sit quite often. This condition is called tibial torsion or splay leg. Sometimes it is corrected if caught early, but if caught too late, surgery is an option, which may or may not help. It can be caused by a birth defect or many other causes. Depending on the severity, it may or may not survive and live a good life. Often, these ducks cannot get to the water or the feed they need and become malnourished, leading to death. So this little duckling will face a journey of uncertainty.

Just as this duckling unexpectedly developed a condition that will lead down a path of uncertainty, so will we.

Judges 18:5-6, "Then they said to him, 'Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.' The priest answered them, “Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD’s approval.” In this passage, the Tribe of Dan is on a journey to a new land to take up residence. Those sent out before the people stopped at the house of Micah. They asked Micah's Levite priest to inquire of God whether they would have a safe journey to their new home. Many times we face unexpected journeys that take our breath away.

As my friend and I looked at this duckling last night, she remarked, "It makes me sad." I was thinking the same thing. Even sadder is a life in the midst of a journey that doesn't know the Lord. I know my friend and her daughter. I know this duckling will receive any palliative care to aid in survival. A support system is in place for what some might call of little importance. Any living creature is important to the Lord. How much more of a support system is our Lord for us? How much more does He love us? When we accept Him, we know that any journey we face will be in His hands. I can't imagine facing any journey, no matter how significant, without inquiring of the Lord for his approval.