Chicken Inspiration

 

  Some days it’s hard to be inspired.  The day seems to close in on me even when the sun is shining and I’m left with this overwhelming feeling of sadness.  I can’t explain it since it seems to come on for no good reason!  It’s very frustrating as I search for something to motivate and energize me.

I reach for a book and can’t read.  Pulling out my computer I ‘play’ a little on Pinterest, trying to find an antidote for the glumness stealing my happy nature.  I find food, comfort food, that leaves me feeling guilty since it probably wasn’t a bit good for me, and then it dawns on me to take a walk.  Just get outside and drink in the beauty of God’s Creation.

   We were given chickens not long ago and I can’t describe the joy those funny little feathered creatures have brought this family!  Our youngest granddaughter, almost two-years-old, who lives next door, claims they are hers and knows which one is which, by name.  The other grandchildren also enjoy their antics, as do we adults.

My husband takes his breaks from working outside, whether it be building something, cleaning the garage, or cutting grass, by settling in a chair in full view of the, what I call ‘the chicken play pen’— a nice, rather large fenced in area just inside the woods, with his cup of coffee and just watches them peck the ground to find bugs and other such chicken delicacies.  

I discovered I too like to sit and watch the feathered flock.  They are such simple little critters, but they have personality, as well.  There are five, but there is one who seems to be the ‘boss’ of the bunch.  She will fuss with one in her way, chase it out of a spot she wants and just overall is a bit bossy!  We chuckle as we watch her manipulate the other four.

Aren’t we humans just like that?  We like to have things our way, in a timely manner and feel like we are in total control.  But as I sit and reflect on the very nature of chickens, I am reminded that God put us in control of the animals of the earth—not necessarily each other!

I’m reminded we are to work and pray together as a family, in order that we can grow into the Believers we are meant to be!  What a gift!  

As I reflect on the relationship I have with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I wonder if I ever seem bossy—wanting my own way and in my time frame?!  I don’t think so, and I certainly hope not, but I doubt my chicken has ever thought she was either!  Perhaps it’s a good time for reflection and even correction!

Perhaps there are those within our Christian network who do seem to be like this.  How do we respond?  Do we bite back or run and cower like the other chickens in the coop?  Or do we take it to the Lord in prayer and ask for guidance from a Father who knows all, asking Him to show us how to handle the situation with kindness?  I wonder.  What do most humans do in this situation?  You ever been there?  What did you do?

My point to all this is, sometimes it takes a step out of our normal routine to allow our minds to travel and lose track of time and receive the simple pleasure of nature—God’s Creation—and yes, even chickens, to give us inspiration—— and maybe even a little direction!