WAR & PEACE

Coyotes were bad last night. Real bad. They howled, yelped, screamed, and sang an opera. The ole' sayin' is true, the varmits were howlin' at the moon. They had come to visit the ranch, hoping for some chicken dinner. Positioning themselves just outside the fence-line; up on the RR tracks, they were driving my dogs bizeek. For hours... yes, hours... yes, the entire night; the canines barked and yelled back and forth; both teams finally collapsed around sunrise, panting with laryngitis. By day break the coyotes were snug in their beds while visions of drumsticks danced in their heads. But the hens were safe. Yep, Ranch Security, namely Andrew Jackson (Jack), & Hankie Doodle Doo (Hank) had saved the day once again. These two mutts had patrolled all night keeping the flock safe from the literal jaws of death. WOW, what an action packed story so far..........
Then Came The Morning.....
At 5AM, when the sun was teasing the day, I went out to check on my man's best friends. Both dogs were in a coma. They were stretched out on the deck, paws scraping the air; in their dreams they had caught the villainous coyotes. Jack was actually smiling in his sleep and Hank was drooling. Ranch Security was tucked in for the day.
Before I went back inside, the sweetness of the air grabbed me. A second pause made me aware of the of doves, larks, finches, and whippoorwills. No extra notes in this song, just the pure bliss of God's symphony welcoming a new day. What an overwhelming sense of peace, and joy, and rest overcame me after a night of sharp sounds and little sleep. All was right in the world.
The events had taught me a little bit about peace. Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Hum....... I must have times of weakness in order for the Lord to give me strength, and times of turmoil will cause me to appreciate the blessing of peace. The pleasantness of the morning was made sweeter after the horrors of the night. I did not enjoy for one single second the bray, fray, or gray of the coyotes. But I think it made the chirps, tweets, and whistles of the song birds that much clearer, nearer, and dearer. God balances our lives with ups and downs so we can need Him more, and He can love us more. Psalm 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. Here again we see the contrast of a war and peace. A battle, and then comfort. A trial, then rest. One is kinda hung to the other.
Next time the coyotes visit I'll be ready. I might just yell out the window a few times myself. As I roll around the bed spending a sleepless night, I'll remind myself of the twitter in the morning. Next time I am facing struggles, I will look for the peace. Next time burdens are dropped on my doorstep, I will know that comfort is coming soon. Peace is there.....I'm gonna look for it, find it, and thank God for it.