Ducklings Versus Cheetahs

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Ducklings versus Cheetahs

The brood of ducklings clustered around their mother on the creek bank.  When she moved over a few inches, they all rearranged themselves closer to her.  A charming scene, ominously altered by the fact they were in the same zoo habitat with two cheetahs. Momma duck might be able to fly beyond the reach of the predators, but those downy babies couldn’t. For the moment, the cheetahs were napping. Whatever was she thinking to lay her eggs within the that compound? Or perhaps instead, she managed to lead her little brood in via a small opening. Either way she endangered her off spring. She kept cocking her head toward those large spotted animals. She slid down the sloping section of the bank into the water and seemed to silently signal to the little ones to follow. The trouble was from their position the route wasn’t a gentle slope like the path she took. The small balls of fuzz balked at stepping off the two or three foot drop into the water; and, if they had, their only route was right past the drowsy animals. Finally, the need to feed the hungry restless, human children with us forced us to leave. All we could do was pray and hope the cheetahs wouldn’t awaken and make a lunch of ducklings.

 

The sight of the endangered ducklings made us reflect on how important it is to submit our decisions and behavior to God before acting. We don’t want our choices to lead others into adverse situations. Suffering the consequences of our own mistakes creates enough misery without putting others in a dangerous place.  Aren’t we glad that the God, who knows the number of hairs on our head, cares about us?  He delights in our prayers for guidance and gently nudges us toward beneficial choices and gladly helps us find a way through the mistakes we make.