March 2, 2010
 
DEVOTION: The Cost of Mothering
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
This second Sunday of Lent finds us considering the many ways we are alarmed by both physical and emotional threats... in the natural universe as well as everyday living in family and community... Earthquake, Tsunami, Blizzard, Black hole, Drought, Rocky relationships, Flooding responsibility, Personal threats, Grief, Loneliness... what's on your top ten trouble list.
 
Transplanted quickly from being a "city girl" to living in rural WV, my understanding of nature and commonly known habits of farm animals was very minimal. One day, to be helpful, I accompanied my son as he had volunteered to feed the chickens and cows on the nearby farm while the owners were away.
 
Chickens seemed less threatening than cows so I was attempting to feed a hen "penned" behind a small fence. To my dismay the chicken seemed to be crushing the little baby chicks with her body and wings. I tried everything to get her to quit smothering the babies...even resorting to throwing small rocks and twigs. Having no luck at removing what I thought to be a threatening situation for the small chicks, I rushed home to call another farmer and explain this catastrophe.
 
Needless to say, the experienced farmer (after a few loud laughs) said I was very lucky that the Mother hen had not attacked me since the Mother hen "gathering the chicks behind her strong wings" was protecting them from MY menacing behavior.
 
Never again did I misunderstand the words of scripture: "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing."
 
That Mother hen would have given her life to protect those baby chicks.
 
We are inundated by the "sticks and stones" of life coming at us constantly and even clothed in the form of scientific discovery or even religious enlightenment. Health information... dietary findings... economic conditions...along with constant warnings of the consequences of everything from global warming to ... the way we sleep or not.
 
We do our best to ascertain the truth as we listen and interpret the mammoth amount of information that flows in our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits.
 
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (The Message - Matthew 11:28-30)
 
The one who created all of life is willing to sustain us... in body, mind, soul and spirit.
 
We know the cost of parenting... but are we willing to gather as chicks under God's mothering wings to find safety... sustaining strength... and surrendering sacrifice that is our comfort and calling from God: our Creator... Sustainer and Redeemer.