Jim Hughes

So I took a few minutes to go sit on the back porch this morning, and looked around to see which of my bird friends were visiting.

Two wood ducks were present, sitting on the top high power line, just down the creek.  Now ducks sitting on power lines is an interesting sight, but these guys are equipped with feet different from other ducks, which allows such stunts.

Photo copyright 2009 Jim Hughes

As I watched them, perched high above everything else, they just looked around.  They looked one way for a while, then they turned around and looked the other way for a while.  I wondered what they might be thinking.  I wondered what their purpose in sitting up there could be.

I finally decided that they were just pausing to enjoy the view for a few minutes.  Taking time out from looking for food and whatever else wood ducks do for a little R & R.  Taking time for a little perspective, maybe.

So what do wood ducks know that you don’t, that I don’t?

Maybe just that they will be provided for, and that stopping to view the sights along the way is okay,  because that’s the way God made them and the environment they live in.

And if He cares that much about wood ducks, then how much more must He care about us?

Brief exchange with someone having a rough morning:

Q:  “Are you sure I’m cut out for this?”

A:   If you didn’t cry, if you weren’t touched by others’ misfortunes, then you wouldn’t be cut out for what you do.  Or be part of the human race.