Duck

I woke up to hurling winds in Austin today. I had come up yesterday for meetings, and stayed because I have a speaking engagement on Saturday that was just north of San Antonio. The chimes were in full motion, and the waters were choppy and wild. But I just kept hearing the swirling of the winds, and watched as the tree tops swayed in constant motion. I took one more lasting gaze at the waters before I headed to my desk and there he was. The lone duck that must live in our cove. I marvel at his consistency, and the calm approach he maintains no matter what the weather. I sat and watched for several minutes, as he swam in the lake unbothered by the windy gales. He went about his business, diving occasionally for food, and springing back up several feet in advance, as he continued his course of gliding exploration. I have watched this one duck, it has to be the same duck, many a time at the lake, even last week when it was pouring down rain. His routine doesn't not change. He glides, he dives, and he explores in spite of the weather.

Just watching the behavior of this duck, a wild bird of nature, are we to behave any differently? He is not dependent on the circumstances about him, he is confident in his efforts to survive, he is not bothered and influenced by his peers, he has the capacity to escape from those he is unsure of, he can paddle like crazy underneath and appear calm above water, and he has an innate sense of security within the bounds of his existence.

Regarding Circumstances:
1) Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances for I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
2) 1 Thessalonians 5:18: give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Regarding Confidence
1) 2 Corinthians 5:5-7 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight.
2) Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
3) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Regarding Influence:
1) 1 John 3:7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
2) Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
3) Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

Regarding Escape:
1) 2 peter 2:9 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Regarding Security:
1) Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2) Proverbs 14: 26 Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.
3) Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

There are several duck quotes but two of my favorites are

"it rolled like water off a duck's back" if we are immersed in the word of God and have allowed the spirit of Christ to be the water on which we are floating, we too have the capacity to glide through life in confidence, security and peace without being bogged down and weighted down and pelted with the rains of wrong doing and guilt that steal our joy.

"happy as a duck in water" - when we are swimming in the word of God, we find a contentment and peace even in the midst of weather changes, and conflicts and ruffled waters.

"don't quack like a duck but soar like the eagles" - we have choices each day to soar with God and take the high road and do what is right and will bring honor and glory to his name or not.

I will continue to watch that lone duck as he floats and paddles about the cove, but I suspect that through this writing exercise I might look at him with a little different perspective. God can use even a lone duck to bring thoughts of his ways to mind.

Dear Lord, It is a blessing to be steeped in your word. May we remain calm on the outside while we allow you paddle away anxieties on the inside. Amen