Quackers

Quack, quack, quack! Quack, quack, quack! This is not a test. This is not a test of the emergency broadcasting system. Had this been an actual test, you would have been informed to endure, and patiently await the return of your original programming. Instead, drop whatever your doing and report to Waddleton headquarters immediately! Oh, you’ve not heard of Waddleton? That’s because it’s fairly new. It's a fowl regime that controls the southeast region of my bathroom. The dictators in charge are Click and Clack, twin ducklings who gained control about three weeks ago, immediately upon their arrival. They are relentless in their demands, expecting prompt response to their every command. They strut about flapping their wings until they're sure they have my undivided attention, then settle on their haunches, cock their fuzzy heads sideways, and give me a one eyed glare. Their command is quite clear: "Fill the water dish!" I have a one gallon automatic water bowl in their pen, but it is amazing how quickly the clean, clear water disappears. Click and Clack promptly fill it full of saw dust and food, then splash it about transforming their surroundings into thick soup. That's when the call comes loud and clear: “We want more, now!”

As I was refilling their water for the umpteenth time yesterday, it occurred to me how nice it would be to have a fountain in there, one that wouldn’t run dry. Water is of vital importance, and often we fail to appreciate it until we experience a lack. I think there are several lessons to be drawn from my feathered friends and their water dilemma.

When God rescued the Israelites from Egyptian bondage they willingly, thankfully followed God’s servant, Moses, out into the desert. They rejoiced in their new found freedom and praised God for His deliverance - until their water supply began to dwindle. Then the cry of panic went up: “What will we drink? Have you led us out here to die?” The fear of want led them to expect their desire for water to be met before the actual need became a reality. God often allows us to wait, past the point of comfort. He wants us to trust Him even when our supplies run low. But we, like Click and Clack, have little patience or faith. We cry loudly, demanding that our perceived needs be met NOW! When God’s answer doesn’t fit within our time frame, we become impatient. We presume to question His love and even His motives.

There is no need for us to panic. Thousands of years of history detail the unmistakable story of God’s unfailing provision for His faithful people. God’s love was painted in broad strokes of red upon Calvary the day His Son died to give us a future of life and hope. God is our Creator, He knows what our needs are and has graciously promised to abundantly supply them, “above what we ask or think.” Jesus said, “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14

How do we access this living water? The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. The water of life is contained in God’s Word. As we spend time reading it we spend time with the author of life. We develop a living connection that can not be cut off. God will provide everything we need, not only for our temporal life but for our spiritual life as well.

Could it be that our perceived “needs “ are really just wants? For myself, I must admit this is often the case. My goal for this year is to learn and practice more patience, trusting that God knows what I need far better than I do.

I am seeking God’s help in removing me from the dictatorship of my life. I want God to be my King. Won't you join me, friends?
Bonnie Morsette ~ 4/23/2009