Fowl Behavior - Encouragement Café - December 14, 2015
Fowl Behavior
Café Menu for Monday, December 14, 2015
Today’s Special is: Lessons From Three Wise Ducks
Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Aj Luck
Main Ingredient:
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
James 1:19 ESV
Entrée:
There is a pond close to my home where three white ducks live. I affectionately refer to them as Huey, Louie and Dewey. I visit them often. Sitting on the bank of their pond I watch their playful shenanigans eventually offering them pieces of crackers or bread.
They are hilarious without even trying. Splashing around, quacking at each other, chasing each other, ignoring each other, they simply live their lives. They bring me joy, but also a different perspective of my own pond, called everyday life.
It’s true, the old saying, let it roll like water off a duck's back.
It is used a lot when it comes to offense and anger when our own ponds get a little too crowded and our comfort zones get invaded.
I get it. I too can quack quite loud. I may even get a little mouthy and try to bite those around me, verbally speaking of course.
I like when my little pond, is calm; nothing splashing or agitating me. I don’t like my pond crowded. I look at my three little feathered friends and envy them at times.
They literally walk up onto the bank out of chaos, and shake off the water from their bodies. They move on. No big deal.
Oh God, that You would give me the ability to not be offended today.
I get it... right now, schedules are filling up, people are traveling to be with loved ones and the pressure is on to try and get our ponds perfect. We must give ourselves grace for each moment we breathe in.
Things may get a little discombobulated and even dysfunctional for a moment, but breathe. Focus on the Creator and not the messes that may be created. Refuse offense. Don’t allow it in your pond. Stay calm and know you are not alone and you are loved.
During this holiday season, let’s try and remember not only the three wise men and the gifts they gave to our King and Savior, but also the three little wise ducks.
Shake it off. Love people. Yes, even the stressed out holiday shoppers who may be rude or insensitive.
Remember, when you are tempted to be offended, shake it off. Move forward. Love the unlovely.
When you find yourself wanting to react... force yourself to respond, the way Jesus would. With love and grace at every turn of the shopping cart.
Take Out:
Before you decide to respond/react to a situation remind yourself of the acronym:
T – Is this True?
H – Is this Helpful?
I – Is it Inspiring?
N – Is it Necessary?
K – Is it Kind?
After you’ve answered these questions honestly in your heart, then respond.
Dessert:
Dear Jesus, As I go throughout my day today, may Your words be my words. May Your responses be my responses. May Your reactions be my reactions. Open my heart to truly reflect You as I go about this day as well as this holiday season, being sensitive to those around me. Show me how to shine brilliantly for You versus hiding in the shadows of offense. Amen.
© 2015 by Aj Luck. All rights reserved.
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