It’s been a while since I’ve written. When life gets really consuming and overwhelming my way of facing it is to step back. Stepping back means a return to the simple things. Very simple things. One simple enjoyment is to keep a close eye on the chickens and ducks. These big birds eat left over seeds from the finch feeder, consume large quantities of slugs and spiders, and bring me much delightful joy in watching them. They just remind me to count the blessings of God, rather than to count the griefs of life.
How many birds do you count in these pictures? The total count is - 13 chickens and 4 ducks - and we sure keep them counted! Already we have saved 3 of them from the dogs around. They waddle all around us when they are out of their pen jumping in the raised beds looking for treats. I could name them for you, but you would know then how simple I really am. There’s Greta and Charlotte, there is Toast....there is Jeffrey.... Just adorable little creatures. They really are pets. When it is warm out, the ducks waddle up their ramp and plop into their little pool of lukewarm, brown, buggy water. It looks so soothing. Not. And then sometimes, behind us in the wood pile we will hear a bawk, bawk, baaaawkkkk. Ah ha! An egg has been deposited!
Lest you think this is all nonsense let me illustrate. For several paragraphs I have written about chickens and ducks. While reading this have you even thought of trials you are facing, or the frightful politics and news of the day, or pressures facing you? You see, you can’t do both at the same time. At least it is a little harder to do that. My point is this. So much is piling in on our hearts and lives, so many concerns and worries, fears and what-ifs, that we are carrying mountains that God never intended for us to carry. Bringing your minds and thoughts back to ultra simple things gives you a mental and emotional break and allows you to refresh and regroup. It allows the mountain to be flattened just a bit. God wants our whole soul to be in tune with Him, and when we get caught up carrying mountains, He is left out. We are the losers then. I encourage you to find several simple things you enjoy and step back. Simply. Step. Back.
K.C.
