The Duck and the Eagle
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
The Eagle swept down and landed next to the Duck at the edge of the beautiful lake and taunted him.
The Eagle said, “I’ve seen you fly. Not very high. Did you know I can soar above the clouds? I’ve seen your house. Really? That close to the ground, just using a hollow part of a tree? I built my house with a splendid design and a magnificent view high in the trees! I’ve heard you ‘talk.”. Such an obnoxious quacking sound. You’re a pitiful excuse for a bird, Duck!
When the Eagle had finished with his cruel speech the Duck smiled and acknowledged the Eagle’s attributes. He then waddled towards the lake away from the Eagle with beak in the air held high. Before disappearing from view he turned to the Eagle who stood with a tinge of envy while watching him enter the water, “You know it’s been nice talking with you today Eagle…Care to join me for a little swim? Then with a wink, he effortlessly swam away.
You may be an eagle tempted to put down ducks because they can’t do what you do OR you may be duck tempted to be intimidated by the gifts of the Eagle forgetting to treasure your own unique abilities.
From our school daze through our working years, we have constantly been compared with one another. If we drink this “Koolaid” and mindlessly continue to do this, this attitude will lead us down to spiritual defeat. That is because if we are one of those “eagles” we will be tempted to look down upon the “ducks” around us and see them as lesser. Our pride will blind us of the wonder of every ONE of God’s unique creations, marveling in how they are made, how the think and how they contribute to the good of the whole.
If we are one of those “ducks” and we compare our abilities with the eagles, we will become discouraged and defeated. We will become blind to our own special gifts WE have to offer to the good of others, that those eagles will never possess.
Eagles soar on… but with humility. Ducks, paddle on…and remember to keep that beak held high! Whether eagle or duck do all that we do for the glory of God!
Jamie Bohnett
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