Last night, after supper, Genni the wonder dog and I went for our usual
walk around the lake. We saw two preschool girls, dressed in identical pink
spring jackets and matching rubber boots. They were throwing what looked like
bread to a couple of geese with that combination of unbridled, uncoordinated
enthusiasm and grace and gentleness that only a small child can manage.
As we approached, they made a big fuss about a doggie and asked if they
could pet Genni. After getting the mom's approval, I said yes.
"We don't have a doggie at home."
"She's so soft"
"We're feeding the ducks"
The mom piped in "geese"
"Oh yes, we're feeding the geese. We're feeding them these old donuts."
The mom smiled and said, "bagels."
"We're feeding them these old bugle things."
We talked about the ducks and geese for a few minutes. Every now and
then one of the girls would run and throw a bagel bit in the general
direction of the geese then run back and pet the dog. I told them that in the
summer the ducklings and goslings would come and eat right out of their
fingers.
"You mean they'll eat the bugles right our of our hands?" asked the
one.
"Or do you mean they'll eat our fingers?" asked her sister.
I explained again and they seemed excited that the ducks would eat out
of their hands, not actually eat their hands. We visited for a little longer
then Genni and I moved on down the path.
Hearing the two girls react so differently to the same comment about
feeding the ducks reminded me of the importance of clear communication.
Churches, and Christians, are often guilty of unintentionally unclear
communication.
We talk of heaven but forget about hell. We preach on hell but forget
to preach on grace. We talk of God as love but forget He is also a God of
righteous wrath. We speak of forgiveness but not repentance. We talk of the
joy of the Lord but not of counting the cost. We talk of salvation but
neglect to mention that it is only the starting point of a lifelong journey
not the destination.
We need to hear and teach the whole counsel of God. It's the scale upon
which everything is measured.
