Photo and Commentary ©2023 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Last week we had the opportunity to visit a local flower nursery near our home. The place is called Flower World, and it’s large. I believe they have over 15 acres in total, with a 5-acre park-like setting right in the middle of all their flowers, trees, and plants for purchase. I captured the images you see of this young mallard duck swimming in their large pond. If you have the chance to visit, it’s worth the drive just to see all the wildlife (ducks, sheep, goats, peacocks, geese, and lots of chickens).
When I first saw this duckling cruising around the pond it appeared to be chasing something. The second image shows the “leap’ as it attempted to catch whatever it seemed to be chasing. He seemed pretty excited as he continued this pattern. About this same time, I saw something land on my arm – a Mayfly. This aquatic insect is in the same family as dragonflies but are much smaller. When they hatch, they hatch in enormous numbers and that is exactly what this little mallard was tracking. Actually, there were several siblings to this duck, all taking his lead, catching these little bugs – leaping with excitement at every successful catch.
Just like these ducklings leaping for joy, we as Christians should be doing the same. Do you ever think about leaping for joy throughout your day? If you answered “yes,” you may stop reading (you can still read if you want to), however if you answered “no,” let me try to convince you otherwise.
Luke 6:23 (NKJV)
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
The context of which this verse is found, is part of the Beatitudes. Jesus is preaching to a multitude of people, the good news of Hope. He is telling them why they should be happy and excited and leaping for joy. The reason? There is a better life, a better outcome to the situation they are in currently. He is telling them about the heavenly reward they will receive – life beyond this planet. What other reason do you need to leap for joy? None. You are promised eternal life with your Creator, free of sin and it’s perfect. It doesn’t get better than that. So, you now have no reason not to go leap for joy!