I’m Not a Duck

As a preschooler, my sister often enjoyed the spotlight from an uncle who lived next door. Whether inside near a winter fire or under a shade tree during the heat of summer, they played, laughed, and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures found only in country living. Pet names and merciless teasing were the price she paid for all his love and attention. Despite his mischievous baiting, she relished their one-of-a-kind relationship.

I’m Not a Duck. I’m a Gosling

For a brief time, we had geese on our farm, with babies in abundance. What fun to watch those tiny fluff balls grow. Bright and early one morning, Uncle Lowell greeted Gail with, “How’s my duck?”

In no uncertain terms and with her tiny arms crossed, she replied, “I’m not a duck. I’m a gosling.” She knew exactly how she wanted to be identified, and no one was about to change that.

I’m Not a Duck and Never Will Be

Uncle Lowell and the other adults laughed. Although I joined their laughter, I also learned a life lesson. That lesson did not take shape immediately, but over time, a deeper understanding formed. My sister, one small life, saw baby geese as gifts from God, latched onto that identity, and refused to let go.

Discovering Who I Am

If only we maintained that clarity of purpose as believers. A gosling will never be a duck, and Gail will never be anyone but Gail. Both, however, are masterpieces of creation, and God continues to use them for their unique purposes. God desires to do the same for each of us. With a special plan for our lives, God offers us the challenge and the opportunity to find and fulfill that distinct plan and purpose.

As children of God, let’s recognize the wonder of our gifts, latch onto our identities, and refuse to allow anything or anyone to alter them.

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 NIV).