274. Broody Hen
In Luke 13:34 Jesus says, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Just stay with the image for a few minutes of God as that mothering hen, gathering us all under her wings.
There is a children’s book titled Little Chick’s Big Day by Mary DeBall Kwitz. It’s one of my favorites for thinking of God as a wonderful, caring Broody Hen. Little Chick, in this story, refuses her nap and runs off for an adventure by the pond. But then Little Chick worries that perhaps she is lost and she hurries back to find Broody Hen. Broody Hen welcomes Little Chick and as she settles under Broody Hen’s wings, this little chick says, “I am glad I am not lost.” And Broody Hen agrees.
It’s still available in paperback and is a grand reassuring book for children—and for me.
