Growing a Goldfish

   

   One of the interesting things I learned from having goldfish, is their ability to grow.  Their growth can actually be hindered by their environment.  If they remain in a small fish bowl, they will never grow any larger, put them into a larger tank or pond, they will grow to meet their surroundings.  We’re no different.  Your environment can limit your growth.  If you never experience different surroundings, you think life can and is, only what you have always known.  You stay the same, and always do everything the same.

    In my many years as a homeschooling Mom, one of my requirements for graduation was they had to go on a mission trip to another country.  They had to experience life beyond the plains of the Midwest.  Each of my kids went and the experiences were life changing in so many ways.  They learned life’s wasn’t all about them.  They grew in ways that our current home status could never offer.  They learned life is always learning, always growing.

  Jesus taught the same thing when He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark16:15.  Go, reach out in life beyond your borders of your home.  Share with others, give of yourself.  It will be a blessing to others, and cause you to grow.  

  

Lessons from a Goldfish

 My backyard pond has been a really fun place to raise a few goldfish.  I’ve never had goldfish before in my life, so learning how to care for them was a small learning curve for me.

     One thing I learned was; raising goldfish in an outdoor pond can be fresh fast food for the stray cats in the neighborhood.  I started out with 30 small goldfish, and within days was down to five.  Some fishing happy kitties had their fill of fish filet, and were enjoying this fresh entree.   I learned in order for my little gold fish to survive, I was going to have to protect them.  Although it spoiled the beauty of the pond, I installed a net over the pond to keep the roaming fishing kitties out.  This reminds me of how God spreads His net of protection over us, when we come into His pond to live.  Psalms 91:1 MSG says, “You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm…”  God’s divine protection has saved my life many of times from lurking evil that was seeking to destroy me.  Coming under God’s love and protection is a pond worth living in!

    

Runway on My Roof

 

Runway on My Roof

 As I begin, and am adapting to living in a motorhome full time, I’ve experienced a few interesting things that aren’t normal to living in a stick built house.    This morning, as I sat at my table finishing up my breakfast and coffee, I suddenly heard clicky footsteps, or maybe I should say ‘claw steps.’  Some bird was using my roof as a runway.  Prepare for take off, right after landing.  It all made me chuckle.

    I’ve also had a serious conversation with a crow, who was perched on the roof of the building next to me.  He was ‘caw cawin’’ away, and I started to answer him.  He looked around, as if to see where I was, and who was talking to him, and then he ‘caw’d’ back.  Back and forth we talked.  I guess I can speak Crow, I’m bilingual.  Of course speaking Crow is way better than eating crow.

  Just like the unidentified bird who used my roof as a run way, I’m on a journey, and often have to touch down for a landing, to find the next direction.  I want a clear and straight runway, so I don’t trip up.  Sometimes the road can have lots of twists and turns, and for me, who often gets motion sickness, too many curves makes me loose my lunch.  Too many turns can make it easy for the enemy to trip us up and conquer us.  Psalms 6:7 tPt says; “My eyes of faith won’t focus anymore, for sorrow fills my heart. There are so many enemies who come against me!” We loose our focus easily when too many things are hitting us from every direction.

  An encouraging verse in Psalms 5:8 tPt, wonderfully says: “Yahweh, lead me in the pathways of your pleasure just like you promised me you would, or else my enemies will conquer me. Smooth out your road in front of me, straight and level so that I will know where to walk.”  

God in his loving mercy comes in and shows us the straight path, and the right road to choose. 

May your journey of life find that straight and level pathway. Enjoy the journey as you walk with God.