Blog by Bonnie Leon

 

In September we were excited to discover that one of our hens had gone broody and was determined to raise a family. It required sacrifice and determination on her part. She had to sit on the eggs for 21 days, and during that time she only left the nest once a day to quickly eat and drink, exercise her wings by flapping them while running crazily through the chicken yard, and finally addressing toileting issues. She was careful to turn the eggs regularly to keep them healthy and viable. Her diligence and natural instincts were amazing. I was proud of her, even more so as I've watched how earnestly she cares for her babies.

As is often the case, God uses the simple things in life to teach me.

Our little hen and her chicks are great fun to watch. The chicks are growing fast and are full of curiosity and energy. I sped time with them every day. I've noticed these chicks are different from any we've had before. They are calm and do not freak out easily when something new or big approaches them. In the past, we've had chicks who were truly frightened by the giant that fed and watered them every day. That set me to thinking.

I've come to the conclusion that being nurtured and protected the way God intended they should is what makes the difference. They were not hatched out in a giant incubator, then carried off on a conveyor belt and dropped into a vat filled with hundreds of other chicks, then packed into a box and shipped to a store. It is really sad how the chicks we buy in our local feed stores are treated before arriving there. 

From the very beginning, these chicks were nurtured by their mother ... even before they hatched. She kept them warm and talked to them in her motherly voice while they lived beneath her still encased in a shell. She protected them beneath her feathers. She waited for them all to hatch and then led them out of the nest and into the world 

As I've watched this mama and her babies I've been reminded of Psalm 91:1-8. "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished."

These verses were first given to me by a dear friend called Birdie, when our oldest daughter was very near death and we were struggling through a vigil at her side. Just as then these verses speak to me. Those were dark days, and we made it through by keeping our eyes on our Lord and listening to his voice while shutting out the clamor of our fears. 

What I've noticed most about our chicks is they are always focused on their mother, listening to her and waiting her guidance. They trust her completely and without hesitation follow her instructions. 

If only we can be like these little ones, trusting our Father God in all circumstances. He will never lead us astray. He will never forsake us. He will lead us into all truth and carry us safely through every kind of storm.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie