A Mommy Moment

As I was driving home yesterday – in a hurry – I ran into a bit of a traffic jam on our expressway. That may not be unusual for most cities, but this is Interior Alaska – we rarely get bogged down in traffic, unless there is construction going on. Needless to say, I was annoyed and wondered what WAS the hold up?

As it turned out, everyone was being bottle-necked to pass by a trooper who was quietly, slowly driving down the left lane with all his lights flashing. He was escorting an extremely disconcerted mother duck and her adorable train of baby ducklings. I was able to get a really good look at the out-of-place duck family as I slowly passed the reason for my delay.

That momma duck was waddling at top speed down the side of the expressway with her bill in the air quacking loudly in distress. But she kept going. Her obedient children followed in a perfect line, not daring to stray as dozens of big vehicles passed by on this hot, summer day.

My impatient scowl turned into a smile and I was glad someone was watching over them. Then suddenly, I was overwhelmed with empathetic compassion for that mother duck. It seemed like I knew just how she felt. With her voice calling up to God, “Oh dear Lord, I've really got myself and my kids in a bad situation. I am so scared. Please help me! I don't know what to do!”

Actual tears came to my eyes as I put myself in her place. The poor mama was really in a dangerous predicament - but then there was that trooper car protectively driving beside and behind them. She didn't know it, but that officer would watch over them the whole journey – until they arrived safely into the river.

God does the same for us. I know when I've gotten myself into dumb, dangerous or impossible situations, God has gently and quietly guided me back to calm waters. He is especially tender with moms and their children.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” - Is. 40:11 

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.” - Nah. 1:7

In most cases, fathers and mothers are endowed with a God-given love and protective instinct for their children. The care we give our children - along with the ability to long-suffer through transgressions, sickness and hard work – is a picture and an example of how our Heavenly Father cares for us. For more examples of how God teaches us about spiritual realities through earthly experiences, please read “There's Water – and then there's the Living Water”.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” - John 3:16