On Feb. 22, I wrote about The Little Flock. In that Reflection I said, "They (the chickens) seemed to like our yard -- I suppose because we don't have dogs or cats. ... Two hens flew over the fence and ran down the road, but the other four critters (three girls and a boy) decided they like it here."
Later in the Reflection, I also said, "If the owner is reading this, please contact me." Larry and Ann Dodgen were the owners who live on the next street, and they called us that evening. We made arrangements to visit them the next day and learned more about the fowl.
All the pullets (young female chickens) were hatched in September of 2016, but the two that flew away were too independent to settle down. They reminded me of the song sung by the Sons of the Pioneers: "Don't Fence Me In." And we learned that the cock was an adult rooster -- more than a year old.
When I offered to either return the birds or to pay for them, the Dodgens refused the offer, and instead asked if we would like to have another chicken. The coop we bought would accommodate one more bird, so we agreed. (The other pullet that flew over the fence was taken by either a coyote or hawk.)
But these Rhode Island Reds are good layers and I preferred to pay Larry and Ann for them, so they finally said, "If you want to donate to our church youth ministry (United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Rowlan), we'll give your money to them." I was happily satisfied with that arrangement. I caught the last pullet in their back yard and the Dodgens gave us a ride home. They are truly gracious people.
Back at the ranch we had a surprise waiting. Even though this last bird was originally part of the flock -- and might have been the leader -- Goldie, Red Head, and Whitey (three pullets who did not fly away) rejected her so she was alone in the yard. I needed a name for her, so relocating two vowels in the word "alone," I named her Elona. I told Carol that it will take about three days for her to become part of the fowl family, but it took five days.
I had clipped the right wing of each of the four birds, and when we brought Elona home I immediately clipped her wing. Thinking that would help her to settle down, I went into the house. But her independent spirit soared in her little brain, and that strong bird flew to the top of the fence anyway. So, I retrieved her and clipped her other wing; but then I carried her around the yard for about 10 minutes as I softly talked with her. As long as I kept her wings tucked between my arm and chest, she didn't squirm -- much, anyway. I did this for several days.
But an amazing relationship developed between Elona and me. For the next week, every time I opened the coop to release the birds for the day, Elona would come to me and peck my clothing. She continued until I picked her up and held her close.
Part of the time she rested her head against my chest as I softly spoke -- and clucked -- to her. When I put her down, she would stay close to me and at times walk between my legs like a kitten. Two and a half weeks later (as of this writing), Elona is still the one who likes to be held.
This strongly reminds me of our relationship with Jesus Christ: The great Shepherd of His flock. (Hmmm...It's amazing that sheep and chickens are both called a flock.)
Humans also have an independent spirit and "fly over the fence" at times as we attempt to regain our assumed freedoms. We don't want to be fenced in, and fight to break any shackle that someone might try to place on us. We get hurt, are rejected, picked on, and are cast aside.
But if we are willing to get close to our Shepherd, He will hold us, love us, tend to our wounds, and heal us -- emotionally and spiritually. His love for you is everlasting.
As Elona chooses to identify with me and receives the benefits thereof, let's identify with our Shepherd, for His benefits are out of this world.
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Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, mentor and president of the Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.
Religion on 03/22/2017