Peck less, love more

There are 518.3 million chickens estimated to be in the USA as of 2020, which is only 4 percent of the world’s population. At the same time, Americans are smart enough to know that chickens are made for eating as we are still the leader in broiler chickens.

When we moved to Sikeston, we added chickens in our backyard for pets. Here are some of the discoveries taken from the gallus domesticus (scientific name for chickens).

1. I confess that before having chickens, I thought they were dumb birds. I learned they have a tremendous social order that is more complex than just a “pecking order.” All of God’s created world is more complex than we can ever comprehend. Anyone that chooses to see the world through the eyes of God knows there is a Creator by creation’s order (it did not come by accident).

Romans 1:20- “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”

2. Pecking order is real. Chickens peck each other to establish dominance. Although I am sad my chicken (Golden Diva) is not the dominant one, Limon Marange is the current top chick of the pack. As I think about this, it occurs to me that so much of our society are acting like chickens instead of acting like people should. Everywhere we look people are attacking others like a pecking chicken. On the contrary, I wish that people would embrace the motto: “Peck less, love more.”

3. Each morning when I wake up, I come downstairs and look at the chickens in their fenced area. They are rummaging around looking for food and don’t seem to remember that twice a day their food container gets filled up and all of them get plenty to eat (after Limon Marange of course). I dream of a day, when I look out and they look back in complete peace as if saying we are waiting for the food but know you will provide (that will only happen if Limon Marange orders). Sometimes we act like chickens and rummage around worrying instead of trusting that God always takes care of his children.

4. It is fun to share eggs with others. Each chicken produces an egg (about 250 days a year). It has been a blessing to see people’s joy when we give them eggs. Think of something you can do today to bless a friend or family member. If you ask God for an idea, you will discover something you can do to put a smile on another person’s face.

5. In our house we have six individuals that love chickens. The only problem is one of them really loves chickens, but she only loves to eat them (Limon Marange and Golden Diva are not for eating). In conclusion, I am amazed at those little two-legged animals. May we all grow in our desire to see the lessons that God’s creation teaches us!

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