Heart for the Lonely

I went to the river despite heavy cloud cover and threat of rain. The boating season is winding down, so I know I have to take advantage of any possible kayak time when I can. The beauty of the river on a questionable day is magnified, as only a few people usually venture out. I was alone for large segments of my time there. I glided by the cove where the ugly duck lives. He was there, all alone, sleeping on a log. I had two crackers left from my last visit a few days ago so I docked on the log.

"Hello, friend!" I said.

He woke up and stretched. Then he splashed into the river, eyeing me.
I reached out my hand with the cracker. This time, without hesitation, he ate out of my hand. I rocked on the waves while he washed his cracker down with river water. My wrist ached from all my shower scrubbing the day before, so it was a nice time to take a little break, and commune with the duck.

I wonder if this breed of duck doesn't like other ducks, or if he really is being shunned by the prettier ducks. He never has a friend nearby...well, except for me. I am always drawn to the under-dog...in this case, the under-duck. I hate to think of others being lonely if it is in my power to be a friend. But I am not really a wonderful friend, because frankly, I LIKE to be alone, and in fact, need alone time to rejuvenate. It takes a lot for me to feel lonely myself. But, I cannot stand rejection, and I had a feeling the ugly duck was, for whatever reason, rejected.

Take heart, ugly duck. Jesus was rejected too. And look where He ended up! He is in Heaven at the right hand of God Himself. It was not a lot of fun, all that He went through before that glorious exalted end, but I think it is an encouragement to all of us who have ever felt rejected. We are in good company, and God seems to have a special heart for the lonely.

***************

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you. (Psalm 25:16-18, 21 NIV)


-save a dog- hollowcreekfarm.org
http://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Kaseorg/e/B006XJ2DWU