Living Like A Duck

A few weeks ago Susan and I stayed at a Homewood Suites when visiting with our son James, who is a sophomore at Texas Christian University (currently rated #4 in the college football standings, but I am getting off topic). Since we have currently come up with a newly designed logo (thanks to Keith Klingen from Brooklyn Creative Design) for our church I have been interested in the logos of other companies and businesses. The one from Homewood Suites drew my attention. I went up and read the description under their Homewood Suites sign”

“The duck is a universal symbol of versatility and adaptability, comfortable in air, in water, and on land. Ducks migrate long distances over extended periods. They always find the perfect place to stay – a second home no matter where they travel.” We admire the duck’s ability to adapt and prosper in a variety of places. Our goal is to serve you with that same spirit of resourcefulness and flexibility.”

What a terrific logo and mission! (And our experience at the Homewood Suites found them to be resourceful and flexible). To be resourceful and flexible with every challenge and circumstance . It reminds me of the words of the apostle Paul who stated to the Church at Philippi:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11 – 13)

The way Paul learned was through experience. A reading of his travails would make you understand these were not simply little inconveniences (like a flat tire) but some of the most horrible and life threatening situations one could imagine. Beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonments, poverty, persecution and homelessness to name a few. What he learned was that he could live a contented life, a flexible and resourceful life, by drawing strength from God. It was God’s strength, not his own, that helped him to thrive, not just survive, in all of his challenges. A few verse before Paul wrote: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (verse 4.) That sounds like a man who has determined to live a joyful life undeterred by his roadblocks and valleys.

The Bible talks about soaring like eagles. But lets not overlook the duck. Flexible, versatile, adaptable, comfortable. Always at home. Wouldn’t our lives be a bit happier, a bit more contented, if we lived more like the duck?

Now the turkey on the other hand…

What do you think?

How does this make you feel?

God’s Blessings,
Steven