Chippie

by Rachel Evans

Verse for Thought:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Last month I attended a Women’s Retreat. During the breakout session the facilitator told the class a story about a bird name Chippie. Chippie’s owner decided to clean his cage with a vacuum cleaner. The phone rang and Chippie’s owner picked it up. When she looked back, Chippie had been sucked up by the vacuum cleaner. The owner panic and unzipped the vacuum and reached in and got Chippie out. She rushed over to the sink to wash the scared bird off. Since he was wet, she thought the most rational thing to do was blow dry him before putting him back in the cage. Now, whenever someone asks how Chippie is doing the owner’s reply is the same. "Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore—he just sits and stares."

Have you ever felt like Chippie? Have you been sucked up by life, and everywhere you turn there is another problem. Chippie was just minding his own business and the unexpected happened. His life was forever changed by someone else’s mistake. There was nothing that Chippie could have done to prevent the situation from happening and he could not get the quality of life that he had back. However, unlike Chippie we do not have to stop singing. We can go on and live life. As Christians we cannot let the problems of life suck up the life that God had given us.

When the facilitator was telling Chippie's story, I thought that since the bird would have died from the suction. But he didn’t, he still lived. And if birds could talk, I think he would tell us that the experience was the most traumatic event of his life. This made me realize that just because life can suck the energy out of you doesn’t mean that you are going to die. When God brings you through a storm you should tell others about it. You can’t tell everyone your story, but there is someone who needs to hear what you have been through so they can be encouraged to live life.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, Lord for everything that you have made. I thank you for the storms that you calmed in my life. When other storms arise, give me the peace that I need to know that you will keep me during the storm. Amen

Take the Next Step:
Think of the old addage, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” When trials and tribulations come don’t become bogged down about the situation. Think about how this situation will help you get closer to God. When all is said and done you can sit back and enjoy God’s blessing. We tend to dwell on the past and let it dictate our future, however Instead of letting the past hinder your future, I challenge you to let your past push you into your destiny.