“Lord, please make me more like that duck.” I found myself praying these words as I was walking our puppy along the lake shore last week. Our family had been camping for fall break, and we had intently been watching this duck for a few days. He was by himself but chose to not go too far away from the campground slough filled with families and lots of action.

On this particular night the sun was setting, and the boats were going in for the evening, but this little duck continued to ebb and flow with the waves without any concern or fret. I watched as he drifted away from the shoreline with each moment of the setting sun as if he knew he would eventually end back up in his safe and cozy slough of water. It was in that moment God reminded me just how much He cares for those things He has created. That duck was not worried about what he would eat or that something larger underneath would consume him – he simply allowed the water to move and guide him until it was calm enough to return. I asked God to make me more like that duck – resilient, not bothered by the waves (disappointments, hurt, grief, anxiety, fear, etc.), but to allow me to shift and move in such a way that others see God when they look my direction.

I prayed that in whatever season I was enduring that God would use me to help others because of the faithfulness that has been given unto me. “ Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2. It is important that we not grow weary of sharing the gospel with others through prayer, commitment, friendship, authenticity and simply showing up. That little duck had nowhere to be and no one to share this journey within this season, yet he remained. He remained calm, steady, peaceful through disturbance and trouble. How many times have you felt stranded in the middle of a lake fighting for something in your life? I have. If there was anything that little duck taught me last week it is that your stillness is what becomes the victory. The dry land isn’t that far away, but you must remain focused and calm. This is not the season to let everyone in on the hardship, this season is one for you to stay quiet through prayer, fasting and time spent with God.

It is a time to allow yourself to go with the ebbs and flows of life without trying to fight the waves – a time to let God carry you to safety upon His righteous and capable hands. Standing at that lake shore, one I had stared at many times in life, I realized this season I am currently in is one I’ve never been before. What a beautiful blessing! Every day is not easy, but every day is a gift that I must be a witness to others through my steadiness, resilience and unwavering trust in the Lord. May we all be more like that duck – calm outward faith, adaptable, versatile, graceful and capable in all seasons.

As I walked away as the sun was finally setting and looked back to see my kids playing while my husband cooked dinner at camp, I couldn’t help but smile. There is always a reason to keep pushing, keep persevering and to keep paddling but sometimes on an ordinary Wednesday evening God will remind us that we too can rest. The warfare continues, the news never stops, the doctor appointments come, evil still rages and the world is still upside down, but God remains. He is just as sure as the sunset that evening and His love for that creature bobbing along on the water is proof of the infinite love He has for us.

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.”

Lamentations 3:22.

Blessings,

Kayla