When I was young I lived in a city until, we moved to the country. Then, I yearned to return to the city where everything was in reach. I loved the open land and fresh air. Our animals and business were hard work along with good doses of fun. I loved driving the country roads to shop and get supplies. These were great days in my opinion. Now that we have returned to the country, I realize there are lessons I missed due to the exuberance of youth. One of those lessons is: Every grain is important.

²³ But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

[John 12:23-25¹]

Watching the chicks grow up, I notice they start off testing everything to find what satisfies their hunger. They peck to figure it out. I wonder how a chick thinks. Maybe it goes something like this:

The chick pecks at the cardboard that makes up the brooder. Nope, nothing there. Puppy pads, yuk! Spitting it out our chick moves on. What about the pine shavings? No no that’s not it. What’s in this dish the chicken keeper calls a feeder? A tentative peck. Yum, a piece of a pea. Another peck, Hey! Taste this crushed millet! A grain of wheat! Yes! Our chick pecks faster. This satisfies this grumble inside. C’mon chicks let’s not waste one grain!

Over the last month the growing chick’s eating patterns have changed. Now they mostly stick to their starter feed but they still scratch and peck. This time I notice they only pick up the good stuff. Having beaks, chicks eat one piece at a time. They look for every last grain.

Several years ago, I went on the elimination diet for my health. At the beginning I ate one bite at a time to slow down my eating. This helped me begin determine how different foods were affecting my body. By taking the time to pay attention, my doctor and I could figure out what my body needed to manage pain.

If I allow the chicks to discover what they need themselves they know what to look for down to the last grain, seed, or piece of lettuce. Without thinking about it they are aware of what they eat. It is a habit.

Americans tend to rush through everything including eating without thinking. Our habit is to eat as we rush through our tasks and play. This lifestyle creates a lot of waste. If it’s broke, replace it, because we don’t have time to fix it let alone maintain it! I lived this by chasing the American lifestyle for many years. And yes, it is a factor in the damage to my health.

I hate to say it, but in the last six months I fell back into this mode of living. Rushing around with out paying much attention to what I ate or even enjoying my life. The headaches, achy joints and exhaustion have ratcheted up to the old levels. While watching the chicks, the Lord God teaches me to slow down and pay attention. Because every, grain counts.

Writing this post,I looked for a verse that might help me understand my thoughts. Scrolling through the search I found John 12:23-25. It struck me that God does not waste even one grain. Jesus speaks of the gift of His life in these terms when He says:

“…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain…”.

For me this means God does not waste anything. Especially not His Son’s sacrifice. The truth is when a grain of wheat matures and is harvested it provides life to us. But, if it falls to the earth it becomes a seed that grows into much more grains of wheat providing for many more. It is a cycle of provision from the Father. Jesus, Yeshua, our Messiah came to feed us with God’s words. But it is through His death that the world is saved. The seed died and the Word continues to go out to the world.

Watching the chick’s habits, turns me to prayer for wisdom and guidance. Please pray with me:

Father, thank you for the lessons along our life’s journey. I am grateful for the wisdom you provide for my life. In Yeshua’s name I ask for Your continued guidance and wisdom as I seek Your Face in this project called a homestead. Thank you for being my guide along this path and keeping me from falling as I stumble on the obstacles in my way. Glory be to You the Lord of Hosts that You should care for me your servant. Praise and thanksgiving overfill my heart. I love you my Father. In Yeshua’s name, amen. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.

²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you;

²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

[Numbers 6:24-26¹]

Milly

¹All scripture is from the New King James Version: Prophecy Study Bible New King James Version, Editor John C. Hagee © 1997 by Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

² Please, remember I am not a theologian! This simply is from my own private discussions with the Lord, study, and experiences. You may see something I do not. That is okay. Let the Lord lead you. Ask Him questions and discuss this with Him. He is faithful to lead and guide us. Just like you, I am searching for wisdom and understanding. God Bless.

P.S: You can find MillyReally on GETTR at:https://gettr.com/user/millyreally or @MillyReally on GETTR.