Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…
When I came home from the office on Friday evening, I parked my car where I usually do, grabbed my bags, and started walking toward the back door. That’s when I noticed the smoke drifting out from the area beside our house. Remembering that this is where my daughter’s baby chicks are currently residing, I dropped my things and ran to investigate. What I found was that their heat-lamp had become dislodged and had fallen onto the ground next to their enclosure. The ground there was covered with wood shavings and dry straw. There was a decent-sized scorch mark on the ground that was smoldering and smoking. I unplugged the lamp and removed it, then poured water over the blackened ground.
I was scared to look into the tub where the chicks are kept – going too long without heat on these cool days can be very detrimental to the tiny critters. Nervously, I peered into the tub to find them huddled up, keeping each other warm. Whew. They were all okay.
Luckily, we had just moved an older batch of chicks out of their more sturdy enclosure, so I transferred the little ones to the bigger tank and all was well. A close call indeed!
We’ve all experienced close calls at one time or another. Maybe a near-miss when a deer jumped out in front of your car, or a trip on the stairs that could have been much worse.
I kind of feel like this past year has been a continuation of close calls for many of us. We’ve lived in a state of near constant anxiety and worry. We’ve avoided gatherings, we’ve abstained from seeing friends and family, and we’ve worn masks whenever we’ve left our homes. Despite all of our precautions, there has been a sense of apprehension hanging over us all. We’ve been afraid, not knowing if we, and our families and friends, were really going to be ok.
Of course, there are some who have not been so fortunate this year. This pandemic has claimed too many lives and left others with lifelong struggles, both physical and emotional.
For those of us who have made it this far fairly unscathed, I think it’s prudent to recognize the close call that we’ve experienced. Be thankful for our health and safety and, like the little chicks, work together to keep each other safe. We’re nearing the finish line, we’re one day closer, let’s make it through this together!
Deacon Amy
