There is  a shore bird called the Avocet, who has an endearing quality which I have always found fascinating.  When danger threatens, Avocet chicks instinctively know to seek shelter beneath their mother’s wings.  As each chick pushes his way through her feathers, the mom gives a gentle prod with her beak, to make room for them all and to hasten the process along.

Unlike the Avocet chick, who is guided by instinct, I often need more than a gentle prod to remind me to run to the shelter of my Father’s wings.  He longs that I do so at the fist sign of danger however great or small.  How often I try to handle things in my own strength, or go with the flow only to find myself mired in the dried up delta of a stream which runs dry?  

I mutter to myself, "I feel blue today, but that is just how it is.”    No it is NOT!  I need to run to my Father and ask Him to replace the sadness with overflowing joy!  And I must do so before it turns to depression. 

Lord, please help me to be more like a baby bird and teach me to seek refuge under the shadow of Your wings.  May I be mindful and discern potential threats long before they turn to danger.  In Jesus’ mighty name.  AMEN!!