BE A DUCK!

 

     There are so many ducks I know of. Donald, Daisy and Daffy come to mind or how about a simple thing like "ducking out of the way." Or how about that famous game we played in Preschool called "Duck...Duck...Goose!" All kidding aside, I would like to talk about one thing I find fascinating with ducks. Yes, they quack and yes, they walk funny, and I heard they make great pets. They are a lot of fun to watch at a Duck Pond. I was sad when I lived on Long Island when Stump Pond in Smithtown emptied out because of a terrible rainstorm last August. The mini dam broke, and all the water from the pond emptied into the Nissequogue River. That pond is still empty. All those ducks I used to see swimming in that pond found another hangout. 

     So, what is this thing that I am referring to that is so fascinating about ducks? It's simple. When you pour water on a duck, it rolls right off. Try doing that to your cat, I dare you! 😆 Or how about your dog? Some dogs love getting a bath, but most hate it. The makeup of a duck is so unique. the fact that when you try to pour water on them, it rolls right off. I have thought about this with my own life. No, I don't pour water all over myself at my job and yes, I do take showers. The water doesn't bother the duck, and I have realized in my life I can't let people, situations, comments or rude people get to me. I have to be like the duck and just let it roll right off me. You would think in South Carolina that everyone smiles, has no issues in life and we all hug one another. I have dealt with rude people in every state I have lived in. it's called life. I dealt with a rude lady yesterday who told me I was rude. All I did was place her drink on a counter. Obviously, she was having a bad day and decided to take it out on the New York guy. I could have started a fight with her but for what reason? I decided to let it roll off my back and move on with my day. I decided to be a duck! 🦆 

     I am always amazed at the variety of guests I have met while working at Chick Fil-A. From the sweet old lady to the nasty mean - spirited lady to the young guy with an afro who looks like he belongs in the 1970's to the mom driving a Hummer ordering a diet coke. Or the two gentleman who look like the 2 old guys in the beginning of the Muppet Show who can't hear a word you are saying. People are people and yes, there are many needy people out there. I ask God every single day to help me be a "Light in the Darkness." But I have lately been asking him to help me be "a duck" and not let people ruin my day. So let me conclude by just saying "QUACK QUACK" and I hope you all have a blessed rest of your week!

THANKS FOR READING! 

     

THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS!

 

     I think ever red- blooded man or woman who loves on this planet wants to be a success. I have never heard a young teenager ever say, " I think I want to grow up and become a drug addict, alcoholic and spend time in prison." I certainly hope no one ever says that. Of course, we all want to succeed, make lots of money, get married, have kids, buy a home in a nice neighborhood and "Live the dream." I am a 61-year-old Christian man who can honestly say none of those things matter. I heard someone say one time, "At a funeral procession, you will never see a hearse pulling a trailer of that person's valuables." In other words, all the "stuff" you accumulate through the years will never ever matter and will never last forever. You can't take it with you after you die. It will remain here on earth and be passed on to others. 

     I know personally the plan I had for me life never panned out for me. I wanted to go to college to become a writer, journalist or author. I never had the thought of children's ministry, pastoring or missions on my mind. I wanted to live the dream, be a success and make "6 figures." God had other plans, and I am so glad I followed it! I see many different types of people where I work at Chick Fil-A every single day. The single mom driving a beat-up car, the wealthy man driving a new Tesla, the 70- year- old woman still working 2 jobs to make ends meet, the construction worker with the callous hands and dirty reflective vest or the young lady looking disheveled after a huge workout at Planet Fitness. Every single one of those people want to be a success in life. I often wonder if they have reached that goal and if they are happy. Let me be perfectly honest. I have only found success with one person by my side and that is Jesus! HE IS THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS! Trust me, I have tried it my way and it never works. Following Jesus every single day is the only thing that matters to me. Sure, I have slipped, I have fallen, I have sinned, and I have failed. I work very hard at my relationship with Jesus Christ. It is certainly not a religion that is man-made, it is truly a relationship that I cherish every day. This week is Holy Week. On Friday we celebrate Good Friday which is although very somber where Jesus Christ died on the cross at Calvary, it is a day to celebrate what Jesus did for us. He died for all of our sins. He took our place on that old rugged cross. That was Friday...but Sunday is coming! That's when Jesus rose again and He lives forever.

     You could say to me, "Dave, we know you are a religious man. You are a pastor; a Bible College graduate and you grew up in church. We all know that of course you would say that." Let me answer that by saying I know in living my life that there is nothing else that matters. What does matter is where I am going to be spending eternity. I am only here on earth temporarily. I could be going home to heaven next week, next year, 5 years for now or in 2064 when I turn 100 years old. Until that day, I will strive to live my best life following Jesus, the only thing that matters!