I’m running behind

Hiking out of trees to the rivers’ edge, I spotted a mother duck surrounded by a happy group of toddling ducklings. Their fluffy yellow down and mini-waddles melted my heart instantly. One, two, three … it was difficult to count them all as they mingled and meandered … 7, 8, 9 … TEN! Ten babies to care for – ten babies to forage for, to teach and to protect from the harshness of the wild. Oh my! Yet, she didn’t look concerned. She stayed nearby, wading her parade in and out of the water –silently schooling. Once she quacked a warning when a frisbee-chasing Labrador bounded too close, but other than that Mrs. Mama Duck appeared quite nonchalant. In return, her babies felt calm and peaceful (even with my camera clicking in the background).

I watched one drift towards the perfect sunning spot. She plumped up, squatted down and got comfortable. I couldn’t help but think, “Ah yes … that does look quite dreamy … and you, little duckling, are my kind of girl.” The little lady’s eyelids fluttered and eventually fell. Her little chest puffed in and out, matching the rhythm of the lapping water.

Yet, her power nap was cut much too short. Mama quacked, and all ten tots took off towards their protector with great speed. That’s when I saw the little lady panic. She stretched her neck out, and picked her webbed feet up with all her might. She did not want to be left behind, and she knew exactly who she needed to get behind.

Oh how I can relate. As much as I want to fluff up and take a power nap, I have so much to do. I’m always behind. I feel like I’m running, neck stretched out, feet flying and head spinning … and it’s stressful … and tiring. In fact, I feel we’re all in on that part together. I have yet to hear someone say, “I’ve got this whole thing under control – I’m just moving along at a stroll.” Nope. We’re all running.

But the sweet Spirit whispered to me,
“It’s ok to run behind, as long as you run behind Him.”

Ah, Truth. Christ is the Teacher, the Feeder, the Protector. He is the one to run to. He is the One – the only one – to run behind. He will lead us to still waters (Psalms 23).

So, I guess it’s time for me to embrace the running – as I really don’t see things slowing down anytime soon. Instead, I’ll focus on the fact that running builds strength. It builds endurance. Running gets us places – and quickly.

More than anything, I just want my family and I getting to Him. I want to be holding hands with my precious family as we wrap our arms around the Savior and thank Him … thank Him for grace, for goodness and for the grand plan of Salvation.

In the mean time, I’ll continue running … running behind …. running behind Him with all my might.