Ducklings

A couple weeks ago I was riding down Highway 69 by Ada Hayden in a little red car. Suddenly the driver slowed down and pointed out the window frantically, exclaiming, "LOOK! A mama duck and her ducklings!" We looked to our left, and sure enough, there they were. Five or six fuzzy, grey little ducks waddling closely behind their mother had just crossed the busy road unharmed. Of course the next few minutes were filled with our delighted surprise at just having seen the cutest things ever, and we told the story to everyone else we met that day. I love remembering that because the ducks were so cute and everything, but I'm also kind of big on symbolism, so here's what those ducklings represent to me:

We humans are baby ducks. We're all good-looking and talented, and there are even a few "ugly ducklings" that are looked down upon by some. We eat and sleep and play our little games, but we can't survive on our own. We need a parent-leader to protect us and guide us across the busy streets in life. We need someone wise to raise us and teach us how to live; to show us that the ones thought to be ugly are truly beautiful and have their own special talents. We have our moms and dads who help us immensely, but they're ultimately ducklings, too.
The One we really need is God. The God of the Bible. He is the true Leader and Teacher that we depend on. He's the wisest, most powerful, awe-inspiring being that will ever be, and He loves us. He LOVES us because He made us. That's incomprehensible, but it's the truth. God is like the mama duck in that He guides us and protects us and teaches us the way. He reveals His work in each of us and uncovers the unique abilities and purposes that He's given us. We're all beautiful in His sight, and He wants the best for us. He longs for us to know Him and follow Him so that we're out of harm's way. All we have to do is trust Him, and He makes us His children. His ducklings, if you will.