During launch, my squad came up with a few goals for the entire group. One of our goals is to fast something the fifth day we are in a new country. After asking the Lord what to fast, He told me to learn how to pray without my prayer journal.
So I decided to fast writing my prayers for an entire day and it was GREAT.
I went to the playground we have on our ministry sight and began talking to God. It was strange at first but then it became easier. As I kept asking God questions, it seemed as though He was answering through the creation around me. The wind would blow harder, birds seemed to be chirping musically, and the sun rays would shine through the trees.
So, I read the creation story out loud. It even felt like the Lord was reading it with me, showing me what He made for us. I was reading about creation with a totally different perspective because the Lord revealed so much to me that I have never noticed before. Like when God created the birds in Genesis 1:22 it says that he blessed them!
God blessed the birds!
God spoke to me so much during that first day of fasting and it became even more evident the next morning…
Every morning we have a few hours of quiet time before breakfast. After I spent some time with the Lord, I wanted to edit a video at the tables in the pavilion. I grabbed my things and headed down the mountain of stairs. Christian began yelling as I passed the kitchen, “Claire! Come here! Come get this duck!” I was confused but walked inside and found a dirty baby duckling shaking in the corner. We caught him and I tried to let him go three times but every time I let him go, the dogs tried to eat the baby duck!
I realized my new responsibility…
The Lord blessed the birds, and I was going to bless this duck.
First, I named him Hank.
Then, I got a cardboard box and my squad leader James helped make a home for my new little friend.
I gave him a bath, fed him, and he fell asleep in my lap. We were best pals.
But, I let Hank go that afternoon. My motherhood was a little short-lived, but the Lord taught me a lot even through watching a baby duckling.
He taught me that He cares for the least of these.
He taught me that a simple act of kindness has the power to change the course of someone’s life (or the life of a duck).
He taught me that intentionality is rooted in selflessness.
He taught me that even the birds of the air deserve to be cared for because the Lord has also blessed them.
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What I’ve been reading lately :
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
