I was outside the other evening locking the girls (my chickens) in for the night. It was quiet, the moon was big and the barn was just a silhouette against the sky.
It was a good time to just stand out there and think about what is happening all around me. To be honest, I avoid the news as I don’t really like thinking about all the crazy that is going on right now in this country.
I got to thinking about my dad and how he prays. Somewhere in his prayers he always asks for “what we stand in need of”. Those words are really a huge leap of faith.
Saying those words gives over control of our lives to our Creator and that can be scary because you never really know what He will use to work for our good.
Sometimes the way is easy and we, at least me, are positive that we are indeed blessed because it is easy. Sometimes, like the world now, the journey seems bleak, dark and so twisted that we will never find our way through. It does not always feel like a blessing on that journey.
I stood outside in the dark, listening to the night sounds…the rustling of little critters in the grass…the soft cackle of a hen from the chicken coop and the distant sound of a combine still in the field. My mind wondered if this twisted journey is “what we stand in need of”.
Perhaps all the “stuff” going on right now…from covid to unrest to crazy debates is what is needed to make us sit up and listen. Maybe it is the refining we need; so when we make it through to the other side we will end up where we are supposed to be.
Maybe, just maybe, it isn’t so much about what is happening around us, but what is happening inside of us. And Maybe it isn’t so much about where we are right now, but where we will be down the road.
May we use this somewhat weird time to grow, to learn, to listen and to follow the One who never changes. May we be given “what we stand in need of”.
“We must be able
to let go of the life we have planned
in order to live the life
that is waiting for us.”
“Life is 10% what happens to you
and 90% how you react to it.”
– Charles R. Swindoll
The Chicken Grandma 
Wise words, Faye! I’m praying that the American people will turn back to God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is my prayer also Anne. And I pray I stay on the path He puts in front of me….no matter where it goes and what it goes through.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reeled me in with the first paragraph.
Beautiful observation and admonishment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Ray. Sometimes the best time for thinking is evening and the best place outside on a peaceful night.
LikeLike
We are seeing the sheep and the goats being separated by His mighty hand. Time is short.
I remember the comforting sound of the ‘girls’ getting ready for the night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are totally being separated and I love the Biblical word “winnowed”. That sound the hens make at night is comforting…so gently and content.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An inspiring post Faye. I have had many of the thoughts you wrote about in this post. I pray daily that the lesson God is trying to send us in these troubled times – makes us turn to him for comfort. I always end my prayers with “Your will be done Lord.” You brought tears to my eyes Faye. Most of this world is lost and even covid-19 is not enough to make people turn to the Lord.
LikeLiked by 2 people
His will can seem pretty hard till we see where He wants us to end up. Right now my mom has tested positive and we are sure my dad has covid. They are in their house and doing well with it even at their age of 86 and 87.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sure hope your parental units beat this virus…
It seems so odd to me that we have turned the world upside down for this ‘bug’ when bugs very much like it have been a fact of life (and death) for countless generations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally agree Margy. And the whole mask thing is a bit crazy as my folks only went out for groceries every so often and always wore masks. They are doing really well at this time so that is a good thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sad about your parents. I am so sorry they have covid at their ages. I will be praying for them. Love to you and your family Faye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are actually doing very well Peggy. They are very upbeat and their view is that since they have had it they will not worry about getting it the next time they go get groceries.
LikeLike
Oh, this is SOOO good and true. What a beautiful woman you are to see God the way you do 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Ame. I must be honest and admit that a lot of the times God has to beat me over the head for me to see what He wants me to learn. You would think after all this time I would be a quicker learner!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so get that. I used to think that the older we got, it would get easier. But I’m learning that isn’t true 💖. I learning why the Bible says to remain diligent till the end 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that the lessons God has provided for us don’t go unheeded. This is the perfect time for us to come together as a nation and as fellow citizens. This long time of isolation is not going to end if we don’t pay attention. Your post vividly describes how I’m feeling right now. This whole thing can take us down one if two paths. I hope we choose the right one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It puts me in mind of the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism
1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful post, Chicken, and one which I nestled down into from the opening line.
I won’t, and shouldn’t – so I won’t, pontificate about the state of the world right now, but needless to say, my heart hopes and prays for people to return to God and for their eyes to open once again.
I’m so saddened to read that your parents are in this Covid nightmare, and that one of them has tested positive. I shall include them in my prayers.
Love you Chicken. Not just for who you are, but for how you are. It’s the ‘how’ which is the more important bit – and I love that bit ever such a lot.
Stay safe, my beautiful friend ~ Cobs. xxx ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mom is actually doing really good and on the mend. Hers was more like a really bad head cold that would not quit with a lot of fatigue added in. Mom kind of makes me laugh because she is looking forward to the freedom this will give her when she goes to the store….no more worrying about catching it as she already will have dealt with it.
Hoping you stay safe also! And I love how you are also. You just make my heart smile. ❤ (doing the heart again so I don't forget LOLOL)
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY!!! The heart worked! ❤
I love your moms positive view of having Coronavirus – she can go anywhere she likes now, and not catch it! Aw God Bless her. How to turn a negative into a positive in one easy lesson. Love her BIGLY!
Please stay safe Chicken. I can't bear the thought of you catching this horrible virus.
Sending much love ~ Cobs. xxx ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
>Maybe, just maybe, it isn’t so much about what is happening around us, but what is happening inside of us. And Maybe it isn’t so much about where we are right now, but where we will be down the road.
Really love this. I’ll be thinking on it for quite a while. Thanks for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Chrissie. I need to remind myself daily of that!
LikeLiked by 1 person