The Wonderful Gift of Being Comforted

I love the new life that comes with spring. There are ducklings and goslings on the pond and the air is full of birdsong. I have two daughters with chickens, one of which had multiple broods free ranging around her property. 

This particular little family was fun to watch as the chicks were barely a day old but out exploring and were naturally a bit skittish at the same time. Whenever something moved too quickly towards them, or a loud sound occurred, they would scamper under the safety of mom’s wings.

As I watched for a while, I noticed one little yellow chick would stay close to mom but remained outside instead of under her wings with the other chicks.

I couldn’t decide if she was brave or rebellious.

We looked at them and my daughter and I each had the same scripture come to mind:

“…how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

For whatever reason, this little chick ‘would not.’

I’ve had this picture in my mind as I’ve pondered the implications in my own life. This little one is staying close to mom, but her looking away to something off in the distance has stayed with me.

I wonder what she is focused on.

As we try to live our lives as close to Jesus as we can, are we still looking for something that might pull us away from His safety?

Are we listening to the myriad of voices in this world that try to persuade us to believe the lie that we are missing out by living the commandments?

As we struggle through the trials of this life – and there are many – do we turn our face towards Him and allow His loving arms to embrace and comfort us, or will ‘we not’ even then?

Loving and staying close to Jesus does not mean that we are not brave and daring and courageous.

It does means that we know from whence our strength comes and we realize that we are but little children in the grand scope of universal and doctrinal knowledge. We know that He is the Supreme Protector and is ever ready to heal and comfort and provide.

I have recommitted to turning my face towards Him and to His welcoming and comforting embrace.

Nothing this world has to offer is better than that.