Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SWIM (07/21/22)
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TITLE: Misguided | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Borga
07/28/22 -
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But they didn’t seem so adorable when they followed at our heels as we continued walking. They clung so closely that we practically tripped over them. We tried to shoo them away. We lunged and shouted, but nothing worked to rid us of our little tag-a-longs. Since our usual route took us toward a busy street, we sidetracked down a grassy slope and around tennis courts to guide them to the lake.
They would be sure to leave us alone once we led them to the water where the other geese and ducks were peacefully swimming. They would recognize the lake as a perfect haven that provided tiny fish for food and the companionship of their fellow creatures. They would hop in and willingly join their feathered friends; we could then be free of them. That was the plan.
But they snubbed their yellow bills at our urgings and stubbornly refused to leave our sides. My friend finally picked one up, carried him to the low wooden dock, and plopped him into the water. “Swim, you stupid goose!”
He swam all right, but as fast as his little webbed feet could paddle, he headed directly to the nearest shore, scrambled over the rocks, and waddled back to us. He and his buddy honked adoringly at us while my thought was only: “We’ve got to ditch these crazy birds.”
We had begun to panic when a couple of cars pulled into the parking lot beside us. Doors opened; several human legs emerged. In the ensuing confusion, we escaped by dodging between the vehicles and sprinting away as fast as we could. We didn’t dare look back, afraid that they were still tailing us.
I wondered why those misguided birds ever decided to make us the objects of their affection. What did they think we could or would do for them? Everything they needed was in that lake. It didn’t make sense to me.
But that situation at the park helped me to catch a glimpse of God's frustration when his people, the Israelites, continuously ran after false gods. As Jehovah Jireh, he provided all they needed. He had proven again and again that he was their protector, refuge, shepherd, and loving father. He was everything they needed, yet, as sure as the sun went down every day, they would quickly forget his promises. The idols the Israelites chased after couldn’t do any more for them than my friend and I could do to provide for those silly goslings.
God’s people haven’t changed much. I wish it wasn’t that way. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could recognize a good thing when they see it? If they could realize that the omnipotent, gracious, loving Creator of this complex, awesome universe is truly able to fulfill their needs? That they needn’t chase after idols that bring only fleeting happiness, when true contentment, unconditional love, and eternal security are free for the asking.
I wish people would come to their senses. That would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? But who am I kidding? I need to work on myself. I need to cease my misguided thinking. I must continually remind myself that better political candidates, the most educated minds, and a more robust economy can’t bring salvation to a broken world. Beauty, money, fame, or power are of no consequence if one doesn’t have Jesus. So I'll guard against making idols of these things that keep me from resting in Him alone. I’ll do my best to follow, trust, and obey my Savior. I’ll try not to act like a dumb goose.
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