In our backyard, my wife and I have an above ground pool. We cover that pool in the Fall, Winter and Spring to protect the pool liner from harsh weather. When it rains the pool cover accumulates water. It is necessary to pump the water off the pool cover occasionally, to prevent the cover from tearing.

Last week after it rained there was approximately 4-5 inches on the cover. I had not pumped that water off yet from the last few rains and was planning to do so. Before I could get to it, our two dogs noticed a male and female duck swimming on top of the cover. This caused them to bark and they attempted to chase the ducks away.

When I saw this, I ran outside and intentionally tried to scare the ducks, causing them to fly away. I thought, what if they ruined the cover on the pool or what if laid eggs in the back yard, or what if they were caught by one of the dogs when landing or taking off. After I did this, I began to think about what this might teach me about our faith.

We are called to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Sometimes we find people entering our lives unexpectantly that need a friendly ear, a smile, or some sign of compassion and recognition. Many times we respond with the loves God asks each of us to show each other.

Sometimes we might wonder though what it might mean if we reach out. We might worry that we get stuck in a long conversation that we do not have time to handle. We may have a concern that we could be drawn into a drama that might place us in an uncomfortable position.  Or maybe we worry that we will be asked to help by giving our time, talent and treasure (which God asks each of us to show in our lives in furtherance of His mission on earth, using us as His working hands).

Will we show the love God asks us to show or do we shoo that person away, justifying that dismissal with selfish thoughts that we have more important or pressing things to do?

A lot to think about when we chase ducks out of the backyards of our lives.

By Deacon Tom Gryzbek