Ok! So this is not the best picture since it was taken through a window and a chain link fence.  Sometimes you take what you can get and this picture comes with a story I want to share with you.  The scene appears such a beautiful tranquil one.The deer are calmly eating corn left behind by the ducks.

I am assuming this is a doe with her two offspring enjoying the feast. Next thing I witness is the mother raising her leg and planting a hoof squarely on top of the head of one of the younger deer. I have never seen that happen before! It seemed uncalled for and quite out of the blue. Bless its heart, the baby looked clueless. One more click of the camera and you could have seen “the rest of the story.”

This was not a family unit after all. The deer that had been struck moved away to the right of the scene looking for consolation and protection as his mom quietly appeared. The doe in the picture gracefully left the scene with her fawn. The moral of this story is “things are not always as they appear.” What seemed an unwarranted act of cruelty to me was founded in a mother’s instinct to provide and care for her baby.

Things are not always as they appear. Let’s look at that for a moment.  As you read this, you may find yourself smack dab in the middle of a chain of events that have absolutely taken you by surprise.  In truth, you feel like that baby deer who has just been smacked in the head by life, clueless as to why. There you were just doing your thing, living your life then “Wham!”

After all the stars from the blow have cleared and you can think with some clarity, let me offer a bit of advice. Before you respond with anger, defeat or guilt, take a look at the situation. Ask God for the wisdom to see how He may be using this situation to accomplish a maturing of your faith and a closer walk with Him.

Just as the baby who had been struck went directly to his mother, our first move needs to be in the direction of our Heavenly Father before you try to handle the problem alone, before Satan begins his attack trying to make a case against God’s love for you. Though you may never be able to make sense of what has happened, trust that God has a purpose in all things and that purpose is for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ( Romans 8:28)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hop and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

And even though you may find yourself hanging on to these verses only by the “skin of your teeth,” don’t let go.  Keep hanging on and reach up for God’s hand that is reaching down to you. He’s got you. Grab on and don’t let go.  Allow him to carry you through the dark valley. Focus your energy on seeking His peace in the midst of the storm. That big “blow” can result in a deeper walk and relationship with God. Trust Him in all things.

To God Be the Glory!