JOHNNY SEAGULL

JOHNNY SEAGULL

I remember a day I spent at the San Leandro Marina in Sunny California.  I saw this seagull that was missing his left web foot. There was only a stump remaining. He would flap his wings to try and steady himself when he tried to stand. It was hard enough just trying to maintain his balance. Now and then some of the other seagulls would peck at him which would add to his misery. But every once and a while he would sit down, and the others would leave him alone.

During those times he looked like it felt so good, just to sit there unbothered. Then once again the other seagulls would begin to peck at him. He would stand and flap his wings again trying to maintain his balance. This continued over and over again till he flew away.

It reminded me that so much joy follows pain if we just hang in there long enough. Sometimes people can be so cruel and uncompassionate. Johnny has to face his problem the rest of his life. If not for the joy he felt I don't think he could have survived. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

Sometimes this sequence sorrow and joy happens several times during the day for many of us. Perhaps the same joy that enabled Johnny to continue is what enables us to continue. How much more so should we be encouraged, when God cares more for us more than all he has created? For his eye is on the seagull,

                 And I know he watches me.