Tonight was suppose to end with excitement and joy. The kids went with us to feed the ladies for the first time in their new coop. After we fed them, we began to count...always ending on 27 instead of 30. 

Where could they be? We found them behind the brooder. Dead. How this happened? We haven't a clue. Honestly, I was in shock. To my surprise, I didn't shed a tear like I did the night before over an injured chicken.

When Ethel came flapping towards my face, I shooed her back into the brooder. That's when I noticed her butt was being pecked and blood was everywhere. I quickly grabbed her, we doctored her, I talked sweetly to her, and placed her in a separate brooder to heal once again. 

Although she was okay, I immediately cried. I felt horrible. Horrible for shooing her back in. Horrible for not checking on her earlier. Horrible that she was in pain. I know what your thinking...THEY'RE JUST CHICKENS! To you they are just chickens. 

To me they are the little chicks I brought home when they were just a few days old. I've cared for their needs each day. I've watched them through every stage. From the box brooder in my living room to the tin brooder in my garage, and now to the coop. They are mine! I have plans for them. 

So now in bed, I weep over my dead chickens. I understand if you think that's silly, but I'm created in the image of my Father. I'm created to love. AND I love my chickens.

As I consider my love for my chickens, I can only imagine the love my Heavenly Father has for me. He knew me before I was in my mother's womb (Jeremiah 1:5). He's been with me through every stage. He cares for me. He loves me. My hurts are His hurts. He bares my burdens. He has plans for me. But most Importantly, He weeps. He weeps for me and He weeps for you.

Do you take God's love for granted? I know I do. Most importantly do you know His love? Where would I be without the love of my God? My Savior? My Jesus? I'm thankful for my Father's love and the plans He has for me as His beloved child.