Make a Joyful …Hee-Haw
This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Up here in Northern PA, several farms have donkeys mixed in with horses and cows. I am not sure why, but nonetheless, they are included in farm life. Once upon a time they were sturdy and reliable work animals, but they’ve been replaced by farm equipment. Now, they’re just cute, adorable creatures in the pastures. Maureen Miller’s (All God’s Creatures) devotion appeals to the stubborn nature in all of us.
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“What’s that?” My granddaughter’s face crinkled.
“Oh, that’s just our neighbors’ donkeys, Cyrus and Billy Ray.”
“They’re silly!” Cupping her hand over her ear, she asked, “But what are they saying?”
I paused. What were they saying? “Perhaps they’re praising God for the beautiful day. Or maybe they’re thanking Him for the fresh hay Farmer Ducket forked over the fence.”
Lila was quiet. Finally, “Can we take them a treat? Maybe they’ll thank us too.”
After slicing several apples, we strolled down the country road. Seeing us, the pair approached, then brayed again. Once more, Lila couldn’t contain her laughter.
I smiled. Thank You, Father. My silent praise came from a place of gratitude, despite my earlier grumbling. My heart was aching over what I considered unanswered prayers.
Two days later, strong gusts of wind sent rain in torrents, striking our windows with force. Suddenly we heard them.
Placing the puzzle down, Lila walked to the window, then peered over the pond to our neighbors’ pasture. Joining her, we saw two drenched donkeys standing in the downpour.
With her face pressed against the glass, “It’s raining. Why would they say thank you?”
I considered my answer. “God tells us we’re to praise Him in all circumstances—on sunny days and on rainy days too, Know why?”
My granddaughter thought a moment before speaking. “Because there’s something good in every day!”
“That’s right dear. We can find something to praise God for, no matter what.”
And right on cue, as if they knew both the joy and the aching of my heart, Billy Ray and Cyrus sang out again—hee-haw. Hee-haw.
And I heart God’s whisper. This teachable moment wasn’t just for Lila. It’s for you too.
Again, I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)
Almighty God, thank You for all the lessons that You try to teach us. Let us hear clearly, act quickly, and never forget to be grateful in all circumstances. AMEN.