We weren’t sure what we would find when we went back to the park. On our last visit, we were astonished to find that a small band of reconnaissance officers from the “Old Guard” Park Security had returned from the extended spa visit. They were scouting the areas around the lakes, and attempting to assess the current security situation.
The new recruits were trying their best. It’s hard to know what to do when all the experience has been “put out to pasture,” so to speak. But the new recruits were the “man in the arena,” the ones who were there during those cold months, trying to keep order, or at least, be placeholders, at the park. Though they still struggle to maintain a straight line, they remained loyal through all the cold gray winter days, and are still here today.
And so it was. Amazing though it sounds, there was a core group of the Old Guard that decided to stick around. Perhaps they understood they still have something to offer; that in fact, their experience and wisdom are desperately needed these days.
But as we continued on our walk, we noticed an injured warrior we hadn’t seen before. Or perhaps we had seen, and misjudged him.
We may need to make another visit to the resort when time permits, to see what’s going on over there. But in the meantime, we are glad the old boys (and girls) are back.
These geese have hit their awkward “teenage” time already, and are growing so fast, that sometimes they struggle to walk without stumbling. But as their downy feathers are quickly replaced by their adult ones, their childish ways are also being left behind.
“Saturday in the park, I think it was the Fourth of July.” The snatch of an old song went through my head, but it was Sunday, the 21st of June. No matter–it still felt like that old Chicago song makes me feel: Absolutely relaxed and hopeful.
I felt bad because I made a joke and misjudged a goose, but what other things have I missed or mis-characterized with my own brothers and sisters? Just as Jesus told us: In all our desire to judge, we would be better off turning the spyglass-magnifier on our own selves before we go after someone else. For we will be judged by God using the same measuring stick we use to judge others. (My paraphrase, from Matthew 7:1-5.)
Our petty prejudices melt away in the reality of being there, in person, in the moment. How could I criticize that stoic goose who had suffered so much trauma? Can you imagine some vicious beast trying to sneak up and eat you from behind? I can, and it don’t like the thought.
I’m sure it was a humbling experience to be mauled and survive. I can see it and feel compassion, and if that goose wants to be a bit stand-offish, then he has my blessing. At any rate, he is alive and he made it back here, and we hope he will be safe and useful when he had healed from his injuries. He is part of the group, and they never leave a goose behind!
We just lost two of our little black hens this week to a raccoon. Goldie did her best to run it off, but it was too late. Our chicken days are over here; with just one left, she will fade. Chickens are social, and need companionship. She was singing her “egg song” this morning; she was so proud she laid her egg, but we were the only ones to hear. No more competition means no more fun. So we have decided to re-home her later today in a good place.
It was lovely and peaceful at the park, and the scent of the woodland flowers and the crushed pine needles freshened the air. I urge you get outside this week as much as you can. The weather is so wonderful in this neck of the woods! The temperature is in the mid-seventies, with gentle rain a couple days, a soft breeze, and everything in the ground is bursting with life.
Yesterday, I sat out back and felt the sun on my skin. I closed my eyes and imagined my body was busy turning sunlight into Vitamin D, and increasing my melatonin so that I would sleep so much better in the night. We need the natural things God made, both for our benefit, and also for our delight! We need it, like we need a hug, and the loyalty of a good friend. And the occasional ice cream cone.
(But this one is in our yard.)
Have a beautiful week, my friends. Look out your own eyes and think your own thoughts. Our God is so beautiful, and He may have something important to tell you, so listen to Him. Love Him with all of your heart, soul and mind–with all your might! And love each other, of course.
Much love to you!
The Fullers Four 