The Duck and The Turtle - Jewell Utt
January 14, 2015
The day was clear and pleasant. The water’s effect soothing; dependable for a quick reprieve from life. As twigs floated by, gentle ripples guided their paths. Mesmerized, I strained to separate the sky from the depths below. I could see fish swimming around clouds, navigating trees that swayed in their path. Still the surface remained calm.
Fish don’t contend with standing trees. Nor do birds swim beneath the surface. Yet they gain nourishment from each other. Approaching from different angles, they can both enjoy an edible morsel on the surface. But it seemed unfair that birds could swoop into the pond and catch up fish to eat, while fish couldn’t grab them in midair for an afternoon snack.
As I thought of exceptions, (larger fish that could jump out of the water), a beautiful duck landed on the pond. My thoughts went to the exhilaration of flight. The ability to course through the sky and glide on air. When suddenly struggles from the Mallard brought me back to reality.
He began to shake with panic and squawk in pain. Something had caught his foot from underneath. What type of fish could be in this pond that was able to restrain a duck by his foot? As I watched in disbelief, I saw it was a snapping turtle. I wanted to help free the duck, but he was too far away. A stick wouldn’t help and a rock may hit and further injure him.
It was horrific to watch. But thankfully the duck pulled free and flew away, with wounded foot, from his predator. The turtle gained a foothold, but not a stronghold. The mighty Mallard proved wiser. He took his chance, when the turtle adjusted his hold, to break free. I knew other parts of his body would compensate for his injured foot. And that this would be a life lesson that would make him stronger in the end.
How wonderful it is to live lives of calm and peace. But inevitably a snapping turtle will come along and get a foothold. God has supplied the power we need to prevent him from gaining a stronghold. My prayer is that we’ll use it, and fly away wiser because we stood strong in the midst of a battle.
