We each have a life story, penned without ink, read by the people around us. Who's writing your story?

Monday, July 21, 2014

Rolling With Our Roles


The other day when I weeded the garden beds along one side of the house, I happened to look up--and froze.
 
Tucked between a petunia plant and the house, all curled up, lay a tiny baby deer. I stared in awe. So perfect . . . so miniature . . . so helpless. I drew back a step when it briefly opened its eyes. By this time, the sun's heat beat down on the little creature. Was it thirsty? How long had it been here? And where was the mama?

A quick call to the Game Commission assured me that the doe would be back. After giving birth, rather than draw attention to her vulnerable baby, Mama finds a safe place for it to rest, then later comes back, feeds it, and together they find food and safety.


And so, we kept our distance while the baby lay sleeping in the sun. An hour and a half later, it was gone.

Reflecting back on this experience, we could not do one thing to help our tiny friend. We could not touch it, give it food and water, or find its mother. It wasn't our role.

In our life stories, we often wrestle with our roles. We want to help, lend a hand, or even rescue. Yet, it may not always be in the best interest of those we wish to assist. As with the deer, we have the potential to do more harm than good.

A friend once suggested we ask three questions:
What is my role?
What role do others play?
What is God's role?

These questions have been a most helpful tool to discern when to help and how. And when to do nothing more than watch and pray. God, in His infinite wisdom, has a plan in place. We only need to discern our role and carry it out. 

What's your role today?  

8 comments:

  1. Sarah, What a sweet story with the baby deer! I loved it. And it served as a great way to tie in a truth we all need to be reminded of. You always eloquently and profoundly challenge your readers. Thanks for the 'role' reminder today.

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    1. Thanks, Julie. I'll always remember our little friend when I weed on the "Venard Road side" of our house - and what I learned from it. Blessings . . .

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  2. So sweet. That mama doe knew a safe house when she saw one!

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    1. And the amazing thing to me was that the petunia plant was not at all trampled down. I walked right by and never saw the little deer. Thanks, Jo Ann.

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  3. Thanks for the reminder, Sarah. And sweet story about the baby deer.

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    1. Thanks, Debbie.

      Best to you and those beautiful grandchildren I see on FB!

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  4. With my son leaving home tomorrow I realize my role in his life will change. The next time he comes home he will leave with a new bride. Thanks for these helpful questions.

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    1. Our roles change often, it seems. Thanks for your insights, Gail.

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