Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?

Some things appear to be obvious….or at least we expect them to be, right?   Maybe you’ve heard or perhaps even said it yourself….”that’s the way it’s supposed to be” or “because we’ve always done it that way”.  Sounds like two good reasons.

……”to get to the other side” 

may not always be the right answer.

One day the expected didn’t happen…not this time. While I was driving down the highway, a chicken appears from nowhere. What happens next was not a pretty sight…especially for those bird lovers…sorry folks.

  The chicken hit my front grill and feathers go everywhere!  From the impact, the dead bird soars directly in front of me and one of it’s talons gets hung in my windshield wiper. This bird was now flapping in a different manner while I was cruising at 60 mph. 

I had never seen a chicken in that area before and never since.   Maybe the tradition of never having such a bird along this road was broken that day.  If it was, I’m sure chickens across America would not wish to make that day a memorial to remember.  

The expected answer changed.

  Whether it be tradition or “it’s not broken so it doesn’t need fixed” mentality, some things just are the way they are.  Here comes my wrench throwing…..but is that always the BEST way?  Which leads to…is it the way God would have it for you in this particular circumstance or season?

Traditions are great. They can represent a rich history.  Many things have not been broken that were changed by making improvements to allow them to evolve and become better.  

So here’s a question for you…is change hard for you?  I can hear the voices that reply YES.  Having spent many years managing people I was confronted with the yes often.  New polices and procedures, new team structures with different personalities, new technology, new locations….all of these and more are inevitable changes that must take place.  

Our world is full of change, coming from every direction.  I must admit there are many things I believe would work better if they did not change. Some bring frustration along with more of our time. It’s humanly impossible to agree with every change.  Typically, change can bring about growth opportunities for us all, even during the uncomfortable ones. Growth allows our faith to expand. 

Many changes are really good.  Life might be boring if we didn’t have a change in the seasons. Different shades of color can bring about creative change to make a beautiful landscape. 

Perhaps you’ve gone through a very difficult change. It may have caused pain, grief or loss. It’s possible the enemy orchestrated a change in your life.  Some evil changes can redirect our paths, intending to harm us. Truth be told, this kind of change might take some time for us to heal.  Change brought on by hurtful intentions can cut deep leaving scars. 

Change can bring about anxiety and worry. Pause…breath….and tell yourself it’s going to be ok. Even if your flesh doesn’t agree or likes the thought of it.  Convincing your mind and soul will win your body over.  Being able to make some time for yourself truly helps.

If you can make moments to meditate on His Word and linger awhile with your Heavenly Father, you can find assurance that He will help you find victory on the other side of your circumstance. 

Can I share some good news about change that hasn’t changed?

It’s a guarantee that God knows what change you will face next and He has created you to succeed through the process for such a time as this. 

God intends for us to approach these changes with a positive attitude and a demonstration of our relationship with Him. I know…easier said than done at times. Believe me, I’ve had my share of incorrect responses. Some have even been quite embarrassing. But I’ve learned that life flows much more peacefully when I let go and let God.

How many of us can say we have come to terms with the reality that just maybe God had planned for us to help someone else through a difficult change?  Our lives are meant to be shared.  The good, the bad, and the changes.

God has created you to succeed through the process of change.

Think about how you respond to change.  Does it please God?  Can others testify that you handle change well? Can others see evidence of knowing who dwells inside you?  

God has answers for every circumstance mentioned so far and all of the others that exist. 

Here’s just a few reminders to meditate upon. I hope God’s Word will encourage and strengthen you.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 

“Pour out all your worries and stress upon Him and leave them there, for He always tenderly cares for you.”     1 Peter 5:7 

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 

“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” Psalms 16:8 

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 

Change is always around the corner, no matter how well things are going.  We can confidently say it will be ok because God will enable us to get through the change plus conquer it. 

The chicken will not always make it to the other side of the road because sometimes things will change.

Photos by Create228studio