A couple weeks ago, the Hope ducks showed back up! We have a pair of ducks that come here every year and it makes my heart happy. It’s sort of the unofficial start to Spring for all of us around the office.
Seeing them this year reminded me of one of the most beautiful (and sad) experiences of my life. A number of years ago, when I was working at an ad agency in Old Town, I arrived at work one morning to see the male duck had been hit by a car and died. He was in the middle of the brick road and the female was sitting off to the side, just looking at him. It was a really sad moment to witness.
As I left to go home for lunch later that day, the female duck was still sitting there, still watching the male duck! Honestly, it made me sad all over again and wishing I could explain to her what happened — but I don’t know how to speak duck! Her love and devotion to him, even though he was gone, was really touching. Especially considering ducks do not mate for life. It truly was beautiful.
As I reflect on that experience, I’m reminded that’s what God does with us. When we are in the valley, going through hard times, He is just sitting there with us. Hurting with us, sad with us. It’s a promise we see throughout scripture.
In Deuteronomy, when Moses was transitioning his leadership to Joshua, he shared these
words of encouragement:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake
you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
In Zephaniah, while talking about Israel’s restoration, we hear:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you
with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
In Matthew, this promise comes from Jesus at the end of the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew
28:19-20
For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, these promises in scripture are true for us.
Reflecting on this story of the ducks still makes me sad, but looking at it through the lens of the love our Heavenly father has for us makes me really happy. Because of sin, life is still hard and I don’t know what you specifically are going through, but please know that the Lord is faithful. He loves you. And He will be with you. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Charlie
Seeing them this year reminded me of one of the most beautiful (and sad) experiences of my life. A number of years ago, when I was working at an ad agency in Old Town, I arrived at work one morning to see the male duck had been hit by a car and died. He was in the middle of the brick road and the female was sitting off to the side, just looking at him. It was a really sad moment to witness.
As I left to go home for lunch later that day, the female duck was still sitting there, still watching the male duck! Honestly, it made me sad all over again and wishing I could explain to her what happened — but I don’t know how to speak duck! Her love and devotion to him, even though he was gone, was really touching. Especially considering ducks do not mate for life. It truly was beautiful.
As I reflect on that experience, I’m reminded that’s what God does with us. When we are in the valley, going through hard times, He is just sitting there with us. Hurting with us, sad with us. It’s a promise we see throughout scripture.
In Deuteronomy, when Moses was transitioning his leadership to Joshua, he shared these
words of encouragement:
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake
you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
In Zephaniah, while talking about Israel’s restoration, we hear:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you
with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
In Matthew, this promise comes from Jesus at the end of the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew
28:19-20
For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, these promises in scripture are true for us.
Reflecting on this story of the ducks still makes me sad, but looking at it through the lens of the love our Heavenly father has for us makes me really happy. Because of sin, life is still hard and I don’t know what you specifically are going through, but please know that the Lord is faithful. He loves you. And He will be with you. Hope you have a wonderful week.
Peace,
Charlie