Day 25 - July 10 - The Parable of the Peachicks

One of the many wonderful things about living out in the middle of nowhere is the assortment of birds and animals one can enjoy. Some folks out here in Virginia refer to our house as the Petting Zoo. Now I’m not certain if that remark is directed at the menagerie of wildlife we have on the property or the fact that we have 6 kids, but regardless, today I want to tell you about the Peachicks.

For those that don’t know a Peacock is the male, a Peahen is the female, and the Peachicks are their adorable little offspring that recently hatched out in the woods and spend their days following close to mama who never fails to lead them to all the good places to find food.

A few nights ago a storm blew in and it rained very hard. I was startled from my sleep by thunder in the middle of night. It was the type of storm where you’re hoping and praying that one of the hundred year old, towering oak trees doesn’t come crashing onto the house.

When I woke the next morning and came downstairs I looked outside to assess the damage. I saw the Peahen standing on the railing in front of the house. It was just her and one chick and I realized that we must of lost the other chick during the storm. Maybe it was washed away or perhaps a fox or a coon had come and stolen it in the night. Or maybe it was disease that killed it. I know there are many ways to lose a peachick, because last summer we lost eight.

Whenever I realize that we’ve lost an animal there is this initial sense of disappointment, sorrow, and loss that flashes through my body. I stood there looking at the Peahen and her only remaining chick as that feeling passed through me. The surviving peachick walked along the railing and then stepped under it’s mama’s wing and stood on her foot. And that’s when I saw something move under the other wing. Totally and completely hidden, out of view, but always there was the other peachick hiding under the shelter of the Peahen’s wing.

When the storm blows hard we know where we need to be...

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” - Psalm 91:4


Kent
Virginia

P.S. Brad pointed out to me last night that Jenann has already posted TEN PAGES of answered prayer requests. Take a look at them yourself. Are there any of us that think that the future won't hold more?