Ducky Wisdom

You know the saying, "It's like water off a duck's back?"

If you didn't, you do now.

You're welcome.

Ducks have a preen gland near their tail that secretes oil, and ducks use their bills to get the oil and spread it all over their feathers, allowing the water to bead off their bodies, which helps them stay dry and afloat.

Of course, the ducks must keep up this preening (I see what you did there, you clever Ornithologists. Using the name of the gland to describe the ducks' oiling actions - impressive.) throughout the day to maintain their waterproofness.

Preening allows water to literally roll off a duck's back.

So, the saying checks out.

Whenever I learn more about the supernatural design of Earth's creatures, I am overcome with awe of God's awesomeness.

This exciting tidbit is not just to add to your already vast waterfowl knowledge but to remind us that we, too, can probably use some preening.

Let's learn from an expert whom I shall call Bill (Get it? Like a duck's bill).

Bill has an impressive ability just to let things roll off of him. He doesn't over-think, over-worry, or over-take.

Bill is a guy who is so well-preened that his wife even got him a duck ornament for Christmas.

Bill was "letting it go" and "letting them" long before they were mainstream trends.

You can feel Bill's chill vibe energy when you hang out with him.

If he were an actual duck, I could imagine him just chilling atop the water, looking at us other ducks who are all frenetic and flapping around, trying to dry off our soaked wings because we keep getting wet with worry and responsibility instead of just using the God-given tools to stay calm, cool, and dry.

You see, Bill is a duck, I mean, a man of faith who knows that God will figure it out, so there is no need to splash all around and get so wet and worked up.

I suppose you are right, Bill, but ain't you bored just sitting there all calm?

What do you do with all your time if you aren't overthinking and what-if-ing?

I can see Bill looking at me with a chill grin as he slowly paddles away, enjoying the scenery like a happy little duck.

I know, I know. Bill is both awesome and slightly annoying.

But I want to be like him, don't you?

We can choose to stay calm and use the tools God has given us to stay protected and dry when things around us get wet and wild.

We don't have to react (ahem - overreact) to every little thing that happens or worry about what might or didn't happen.

Think of all the time we'll have to relax, paddle around, and enjoy life!

God offers us the protective tools to stay calm and dry, even in the storms.

We just have to apply them.

So, every time I feel my anxiety rising and start overthinking or worrying, I will try to remember Bill and use my ducky skills to preen and let God coat me with His protection and wisdom.

Let's see, what should our catchphrase be?

Preen like a duck?

Be like Bill?

You got that nice preen sheen?

Have a ducky day?

Okay, I'll stop now.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

1 Peter 5: 6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.