Lessons from a sage grouse

Not long ago on my way home, I noticed in a neighbor’s yard several sage grouse. I pulled over and stopped the car so I could take in the amazing site. I never miss an opportunity to watch one of my favorite of all God’s animals – birds.

Most of the sage grouse appeared perfectly content while sitting calmly in the blanket of snow. The chilly 30 degree weather meant nothing to them. Others rested peacefully on bare tree branches with nary a problem in the world.  But there was one sage grouse, who while he looked just like the rest, had one major difference. He wasn’t relaxing in the snow, nor lounging on a tree branch. Instead he trodded through the snow on skinny legs, every step taken seemed painstakingly difficult.

I stared for awhile longer and realized it didn’t appear that the sage grouse was injured. Now I know that birds don’t have facial expressions, but this sage grouse just seemed to have a scowl on his face that told me it wasn’t his day. Perhaps he woke up on the wrong side of the nest that morning. No, birds don’t have shoulders, but this bird appeared to carry the weight of the world on his feathers.  He plodded through the thick snow, exaggerating each step he took.

We’ve all had days like the sage grouse above. Days when things go awry and we feel frustrated and discouraged. Days when we feel we have to bear all the burdens of the world on our shoulders and nothing goes right. As I watched the grouse, Isaiah 41:10 came to mind: do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my right hand.

Thank you, Lord, that when we have difficult days that You never stop loving us and You never stop being there for us. Thank You that You are but a prayer away, offering comfort and strength to burdened hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.